B
batman
Guest
Guest
Visited with Romperwoman last week. We've had an eye on this place for a while, first time we've been able to get in. One of those explores where the outside turns out to be more interesting than the inside...
I've not managed to find much out about the building itself, although it is believed to have been built by/for the Engineer in charge of constructing the nearby breakwater (circa 1870's?). I think it's the longest in the UK at 1.5 miles. The building was used as a hotel in the 1960's (Castle Hotel). I would guess it stayed open in some form until the 80's judging by the decor and fittings that remained.
Pretty trashed inside, even though doors and windows have been bricked up - the local chavs obviously wasted no time in breaking through that though.
The building is very prominent, overlooking Holyhead town. It's not beyond repair, and it's a real shame the place is being left to rot. Doubt it will be long before the whole place is torched.
The impressive frontage:
Castle style walls and turrets around the outside:
Inner courtyard/conservatory:
The drawing room:
The dining/ball room:
Front door & hallway (with bars over the door):
Remains of the bar (severely fire damaged):
Upstairs landing:
View through an upstairs conservatory to a roof turret:
In intact mirror!:
This bathroom needed more than a spring clean:
A random saw:
Find of the exploration - a Betamax video tape:
This is what the place should look like (c.1900):
We also had a quick look around Porth-y-felin House (next door) which we originally explored a couple of years ago. It was pretty trashed then, now more fire damage looks to have taken the place beyond repair. Didn't even bother going inside as all that remained of the floors was ash.
These buildings should be a focal point of Holyhead, but instead they show just how run down the whole town is.
I've not managed to find much out about the building itself, although it is believed to have been built by/for the Engineer in charge of constructing the nearby breakwater (circa 1870's?). I think it's the longest in the UK at 1.5 miles. The building was used as a hotel in the 1960's (Castle Hotel). I would guess it stayed open in some form until the 80's judging by the decor and fittings that remained.
Pretty trashed inside, even though doors and windows have been bricked up - the local chavs obviously wasted no time in breaking through that though.
The building is very prominent, overlooking Holyhead town. It's not beyond repair, and it's a real shame the place is being left to rot. Doubt it will be long before the whole place is torched. The impressive frontage:
Castle style walls and turrets around the outside:
Inner courtyard/conservatory:
The drawing room:
The dining/ball room:
Front door & hallway (with bars over the door):
Remains of the bar (severely fire damaged):
Upstairs landing:
View through an upstairs conservatory to a roof turret:
In intact mirror!:
This bathroom needed more than a spring clean:
A random saw:
Find of the exploration - a Betamax video tape:
This is what the place should look like (c.1900):
We also had a quick look around Porth-y-felin House (next door) which we originally explored a couple of years ago. It was pretty trashed then, now more fire damage looks to have taken the place beyond repair. Didn't even bother going inside as all that remained of the floors was ash.
These buildings should be a focal point of Holyhead, but instead they show just how run down the whole town is.
