Wentworth Woodhouse sale falls through

THE AUDACIOUS purchase of historic Wentworth Woodhouse by a mystery Hong Kong buyer has collapsed — just weeks after news of the shock sale emerged.

A heritage trust formed to take on the crumbling stately home is back in the race after estate agents confirmed the deal with the Lake House Group had been scrapped.

The Times reported that mining subsidence caused by opencast work in the grounds was behind the move but estate agents Savills would not comment.

The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) said earlier this month that it had mustered the £7 million asking price needed to buy the country pile, only for the Lake House Group had coughed up an extra million to seal the deal for the 124,000 sq ft property and its 82 acres of grounds.

But this week a Savills spokeswoman told the Advertiser: “We confirm that discussions with the Lake House Group regarding the purchase of Wentworth Woodhouse are no longer proceeding.

“We are unable to comment further at this stage.”