Hunt still on for £5m mansion house buyer

No-one has stepped forward to buy a £5 million historic mansion house in Shropshire – a month after the home went on the market.

Hawkstone Hall, in Marchamley, near Wem, has still not attracted a buyer according to selling agents Reeves and Partners, despite strong interest including inquries from America.

The agents have said they are continuing to receive calls about the hall and are holding regular viewings.

However, they have remained tight-lipped over whether any offers have been received.

The 80-room property is looking for just its fourth owner in more than 550 years.

The property is the former home of the Hill family – including Rowland Hill, who was the Duke of Wellington's deputy at the Battle of Waterloo.

For the last 85 years the hall has been used as an educational institution and is now a retreat centre.

Guests – both religious and lay – visit from across the globe to undertake retreat programmes designed to help them seek peace and guidance.

The current owners, a Roman Catholic missionary congregation called the Redemptorists, have decided to sell.

Father Kevin Callaghan, Hawkstone Hall's vice rector, blamed dwindling numbers joining the congregation.

Set in seven acres of landscaped gardens, the estate runs to 88 acres. It is being marketed by Reeves & Partners and Barbers.

Mike Arthan, managing director of Barbers, said: "I cannot go into whether we have received any offers. That information is confidential."

A number of open days are being held daily until August 27 between 1pm and 5pm to help raise money for its upkeep.