Grade I listed old courthouse in Caernarfon to go to auction

Currently a restaurant, and arts and events venue, the building was originally put on the market in 2022 for £1.3million.

With a buyer yet to be found, it is now set to appear in the next live-streamed auction to be held by SDL Property Auctions on July 25, in partnership with specialist leisure property agent Fleurets.

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The Grade I listed former courthouse, which stands opposite Caernarfon Castle, was built in 1863 and served as the crown court in Caernarfon until 2009.

In 2012, the building was sold to a private developer and converted into an eight-bedroom house.

It was acquired in 2018 by musician Moira Hartley who renovated the building, opening it in 2020 as the Old Courthouse restaurant and Courthouse Theatre.

Inside the old courthouse building in Caernarfon (Image: Submitted)

The court’s former basement prison cells are now a cocktail bar and the Old Courthouse renovation features a 60-cover restaurant and 250-seat theatre with stage.

It also includes residential accommodation, and has been given planning consent for the first and second floors to be converted into luxury apartments.

Andrew Parker, auctioneer and managing director at SDL Property Auctions, said: “We’re working with Fleurets to find a buyer for this absolutely magnificent building, now a thriving restaurant, theatre and events venue, that is a real part of Welsh history.

“It is also in a very special location, facing the castle and with the harbour and the Menai Straits on the doorstep, giving sweeping views across to Anglesey.

“Our team are experienced at selling highly unusual buildings, successfully selling properties as diverse as nuclear bunkers, former churches and control towers.

“An auction is often an excellent way to sell unusual historic properties, attracting expert buyers and people looking for complex renovation opportunities.

“We have already had high levels of interest in the Old Courthouse and it would be fantastic if we could open up the next chapter in this wonderful building’s history by finding a new owner in our auction on July 25.”

After spending two years renovating the 5,000 sq ft building, owner Moira Hartley said she is keen to return to her career as a musician in West End and international musical theatre shows.

For more information about Caernarfon’s Old Courthouse or to register to bid remotely online, on the phone or by proxy, go to SDL Property Auctions’ website.

The auction will be streamed online on July 25, with bidder registration closing on July 24.