Mansion worth millions snapped up for just £1 in property 'bargain of the century'
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A country mansion worth millions has been snapped up for just £1 in what has been dubbed the 'bargain of the century'.
The grandiose Shire Hall in Presteigne, Mid Wales, has been purchased for the price of a loaf of bread by charity Judge's Lodging Trust.
The 190-year-old property was once a court and luxurious home where judges stayed while sitting in court.
But it was last used by lawmakers 46 years ago and for the last two decades has been a museum and tourism centre.
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(Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
(Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
(Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
With investment now needed to maintain the mansion as a tourist attraction to more than 11,000 visitors a year, owners Powys County Council has now sold the freehold to the charity for a nominal fee.
A council spokesman said: "The transfer to the trust will ensure the future of the museum in the long term."
Local businessman Tom Evans said: "It's one of the finest buildings in Mid Wales and it's great news that it has its future securfed.
"For £1 it must be the bargain of the century so far."
(Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
(Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
(Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
The property cost around £7,000 to build, but some features, such as the pillars, were done on a budget and are actually made of cast iron, not stone.
The courtroom has remained virtually unchanged since 1830, and is one of the most original 19th Century courtrooms in Britain.