Redemptorists' Hawkstone Hall on sale for £5million

Hawkstone Hall

The Redemptorists have decided to sell Hawkstone Hall in Shropshire. The grade one listed mansion house in Marchamley, near Wem, currently being used as a retreat centre, is being sold with 88 acres of land and a pair of semi-detached cottages at an asking price of £5million.

The centre Rector, Father Maurice O'Mahony, said the hall was being sold as part of "restructuring plans" by the Redemptorists. He told the BBC: "I think many religious congregations, especially in Europe, are experiencing a downturn in the numbers of people coming in to the ministry so that's had a knock on effect.

"People have asked me if I will miss it and I say that it is a bit like a corner shop in that you live at your workplace, but of course I will be very sad to go."

"It is rare to deal with a property which has had so few owners down the centuries and it does bring us a sense of responsibility," he said.

The mansion was home to the Hill family from 1556 to 1906. Residents included Rowland Hill, who was the Duke of Wellington's deputy at the Battle of Waterloo.The Hawkstone estate was owned by the Hill family from 1556 to 1906. By the end of the 19th Century the family were bankrupt and the contents of the hall were sold.

The Redemptorists bought the estate for £10,000 in 1926 to use as a seminary. In the 1970s, the hall was turned into a pastoral centre, used for retreats, international courses and conferences.

To see the estate agent's listing, go to: www.barbers-online.co.uk/property-details/shropshire/shrewsbury-2