AN Elland property business has bought an historic castle.

Clayton Hotels has ambitious plans to turn imposing Grwych Castle, near Abergele, North Wales, into a five-star country house hotel.

The Grade 1 listed building was built as a home in 1819.

It is ranked as of national importance, but has fallen into disrepair over the past 17 years.

Clayton Hotels plans to restore it to its former glory, with more than 90 luxury guest rooms, a health and beauty spa, a restaurant and banqueting, wedding and conferencing facilities.

Clayton Hotels paid £850,000 for the castle and expects to invest £6m in its transformation.

The company expects to create about 100 jobs as a result of the scheme.

Kris Clayton, chairman of Clayton Hotels, said: "Local residents have witnessed a unique historical building slowly falling down as a result of years of neglect.

"Clayton Hotels' plans will fully respect the unique architectural features of Gwrych Castle."

He added: "We have both the vision and financial backing to ensure that the castle once more becomes a focal point for local, national and international visitors to the area."

Clayton Hotels is sister company of Elland-based housebuilder Clayton Homes.

Gwrych Castle is the first property in the Clayton Hotels portfolio and will be the company's flagship hotel.

Mr Clayton, who also chairs Clayton Homes, said: "I formed the hotels business to provide people with the ultimate country house hotel experience. Gwrych Castle will enable us to set those new standards.

"The castle is a superb example of romantic architecture and we are hugely excited about the restoration project we are about to undertake.

"Not only will it breathe life back into the building, but it will also provide the area with the best the hotel and leisure industry has to offer.

"I will personally oversee the restoration and select the management to ensure that Gwrych Castle becomes synonymous with excellence."

Mr Clayton said the hotel company was already looking at further acquisitions.

The restoration and development project at Gwrych Castle is subject to planning and is anticipated to take two to three years.