Kit Harington has reportedly saved his wife Rose Leslie's ancestral castle from falling into liquidation. Wardhill Castle, which has been in the Vigil star's family for over 500 years, had been ordered into liquidation following reports it is a "very expensive property to maintain".
Castle's financial troubles
The 801-acre estate in Aberdeenshire operates as a luxury holiday and wedding venue. It can sleep up to 16 guests across eight individually decorated rooms and features reception rooms, open fires and sprawling grounds. It is described as an "unforgettable setting" for celebrations, family gatherings and relaxed country escapes.
However, the company behind the estate was ordered into liquidation to pay off its debts, according to the Daily Mail. With the family having previous issues with its grand properties, the loss of Wardhill Castle would be another blow to the Leslies.
Loan provides breathing room
Official Companies House filings reveal Harington has provided a loan. This cash injection has helped clear the company's debts and secure a "sist", which pauses liquidation proceedings. This will allow the company time to come up with a way to keep the estate in their hands.
Wardhill Castle is important to both Rose and Kit as they held their nuptials on the estate in 2018. The couple first met on the set of Game of Thrones where they played on-screen lovers Jon Snow and Ygritte. The wedding featured guests such as Emilia Clarke, Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams, with fans joking it was the first successful Game of Thrones wedding.
Family's previous property loss
The news is a blessing for the Leslies as their family home, Lickleyhead Castle, was reportedly repossessed in 2018. Owned by Rose's father, former Tory councillor Sebastian Leslie, the property was repossessed after reportedly falling behind on mortgage payments. Following this, it was reported Sebastian borrowed money from Rose and Kit to help stay afloat.
At the time, he told The Scottish Sun: "Rose and Kit helped financially. I can't tell you how much they gave me but they were very generous."
Lickleyhead Castle is currently on the market for £1,150,000. Located in Insch, the 17th century castle features eight bedrooms and a magnificent great hall and dining room. Estate agents Savills' listing reads: "Despite its distinguished heritage and grand scale, Lickleyhead Castle is at its heart a wonderfully welcoming and comfortable family home which has also been run as a successful exclusive use events venue and luxury holiday let."
