A MANOR that served as an outdoor education centre until last year is set to go for auction.

Marle Hall, in Llandudno Junction, was built in the 17th Century by Sir Hugh Williams, 5th Baronet of the Williams Baronetcy of Penrhyn.

It was later expanded and renovated, and by 1898 was used merely as a convalescent home.

Warwickshire County Council bought the property in 1971 and converted its purpose into an outdoors learning centre dedicated to housing residential trips and courses for schoolchildren from the English county.

Its popularity with children and their parents could not keep the Council from abruptly closing the site in 2021, despite heavy opposition including an online movement and petition that gained over 7,000 signatures.

The Grade II listed Georgian property, with views over the Conwy Valley and close proximity to Snowdonia National Park, is now on the market with Savills for just £400,000 and will go to auction next month.

Savills said: “"The 3.6-acre plot comes with an outbuilding, Grade II listed cottage and mobile classroom.

“The main house is arranged over basement, ground and two upper floors with C2 use and latterly used as an outdoor learning centre since 1971.

“There is potential for alternative uses, subject to requisite consents."

The feeling of discontent among parents and children in Warwickshire is also felt by the community in Llandudno Junction, with the uncertainty of its future something Conwy County Borough Council is all too aware of.

Councillor Susan Shotter, of Conwy County Borough Council, said: “If they [Warwickshire County Council] could have kept it they would have.

“It’s such a shame to see such an iconic building being sold.

“I was absolutely shocked, there were no murmurs that they were in trouble.

“The problem now is what will happen to it – you just don’t know who the buyers are going to be.

“If it becomes a hotel or something commercial, that is a big worry for the community – that road is really narrow.

“The traffic will really increase on the lane if it becomes a hotel.

“I personally think it should be listed.”