A Victorian mansion described as the "Welsh Versailles" looks set to be turned into a hotel after it was sold for £1.5m to a mystery buyer.
The deal for Kinmel Hall at St George, Conwy, was sealed by a businessman minutes before it was due to be auctioned, according to the BBC.
The 122-room property has permission to be turned into a hotel. Two international hotel groups had shown interest in buying the 1850s building.
Property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton said the businessman bid closest to the £1.5m guide price.
Spokesman Simon Rigall said the buyer - who lives in Wales and London - "intends to create more jobs".
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By Neil Gerrard
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