Conwy mansion Kinmel Hall sold to mystery buyer
A Victorian mansion described as the "Welsh Versailles" has been sold for nearly £1.5m in a deal signed minutes before it was due to be auctioned.
Kinmel Hall at St George, Conwy, was bought by a businessman who already has "substantial interests" in Wales.
Property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton said the businessman bid closest to the £1.5m guide price.
Spokesman Simon Rigall said the buyer - who lives in Wales and London - "intends to create more jobs".
The 122-room building was withdrawn from Wednesday's auction in London just 20 minutes before the start of the sale.
Two international hotel groups had also shown interest in buying the 1850's mansion, which has planning permission for redevelopment as a luxury hotel.
Mr Rigall added: "I can't say much about the buyer at this stage, but he is already a substantial investor in Wales and intends to create more jobs."