A historic Merseyside building has failed to secure a buyer after being put up for auction. A reduced asking price of £1.5m - down from £3.5m - was not enough to attract bidders for the Leasowe Castle Hotel in the online auction, which ended on Tuesday, October 13.
Single bid falls short
The historic hotel received just one bid of £1.41m and remains unsold. However, a new owner could be found soon, as Auction House North West said a number of potential buyers have been invited to view the property on Friday, October 16.
An Auction House spokesman told the ECHO: "We are still trying to sell it, so we have three or four people having a look at it on Friday. We are hoping to sell it post auction under auction terms."
"There was someone who entered a bid, but it didn't meet the terms, so we have gone back to those who expressed an interest and will see what they are willing to bid."
Rich history of the castle
Leasowe Castle, which dates back to the 16th century, was most recently used as a luxury wedding venue and hotel until it was abruptly closed in February 2025.
Built in 1593 by Ferdinando the fifth Earl of Derby, later Mayor of Liverpool, Leasowe Castle was possibly used as a viewing area for the popular Wallasey races. It fell into disrepair within 60 years of its initial construction and was only brought back to life in the 1800s as a hotel and stately home.
In 1911 it was bought by the Trustees of the Railway Convalescent Homes, who ran the place until 1970. In 1974 it was bought by the Wallasey Corporation, and resold by Wirral Council in 1980, when it was transformed into a grand hotel.
Closure and decline
Its closure last year left workers unpaid and couples' wedding plans in turmoil. An ECHO investigation found conditions at the hotel had been deteriorating for some time, as it was hit with a zero hygiene rating in August 2024 after inspectors found an infestation of mice.
In February 2025, tensions boiled over between hotel owners and staff, who said they had not received their wages for nearly three months.
The Grade II* listed building was placed under a possession order by a High Court ruling last year and was taken into the possession of administrators on December 11, 2025.
In June this year, the 48-room hotel, located close to Leasowe Beach and Leasowe Golf Club, was put on the market seeking offers in excess of £2.35m. According to a listing shared to Rightmove, the hotel had ceased trading and was available by way of vacant possession. It was initially put up for sale not long after closing in 2025 for £3.5m before being reduced.
It went under the virtual hammer in an online auction by Auction House North West on Monday, October 12 this year. However, it failed to meet the minimum bid of £1.5m.
