Mansion is set for new lease of life

A Georgian mansion in Llechryd, around three miles from Cardigan, Wales, has been sold by Robert Barry & Co. Castell Malgwyn is situated on the banks of the river Teifi and has 17 letting bedrooms, public rooms and a self-contained function suite licensed for 250, all set in about eight acres. Once renowned for functions and weddings, it has traded more quietly in recent years. New owners, Christopher and Mary Bruce, are likely to change that. Both have more than 30 years experience in the hospitality industry, having owned a hotel in the Cotswolds, a pub/restaurant in Essex and a restaurant in Suffolk. In the past, chef Christopher has earned an AA rosette forfood, and entries in the Good Food Guide and aims to use his experience to develop the restaurant with particular thoughts of non-resident diners. He will also continue the refurbishment of the letting rooms. Overall, in Christopher's words, the aim is to make the hotel "loved again". Offers in excess of £675,000 were sought and Castell Malgwyn was sold on behalf of Andrew Lester.