Historic Castletown hall could be turned into family home in a year
THE couple who bought the Traill Hall in Castletown for £42,000 plan to turn it into a family home in a year.
Juliette and Ian Currums, who ran a pub in Oxfordshire, had been looking for a suitable property and when they saw the 19th century B-listed building online they “instantly loved it.”
“It fits the bill perfectly. We were over the moon when the offer was accepted but honestly also somewhat overwhelmed,” said Juliette.
“The home, once complete, will be for Ian and myself and our two children, Charlie and Oliver.
“We have already started urgent repair works and will shortly make a planning application and then begin the rest of the work.
“We hope to move in within 18 months but will aim for 12 months and see how we get on. We are moving to have more family time so we will get it done as quickly as we can while still enjoying and exploring the area as a family. We will be living nearby so will be on site most days progressing the project.”
She did not want to comment on the cost of the renovation of the hall but it is understood it will be a substantial amount of money.
Asked if they plan to retain as much as possible of the original structure, Juliette said: “Definitely. We fell in love with the building and really want to save as much as we can of any features.
“Obviously there is damage in some areas but any repairs will be in keeping with the buiding’s design.”
She added: “We have loved researching the history of the building and will continue to do so.
“We aim to have features celebrating its history throughout the property.”
The money from the sale will go to local organisations and groups in the Castletown area as the building was left to the village.
George Gunn, the chairman of the Traill Hall Community Trust, said funding applications can be made via traillhall@outlook.com and should be submitted by March 31.
Mr Gunn is delighted the building has been sold after being on the market for more than two years.
As reported last week, he said: “It has been a long, hard road but has come to a successful conclusion and the building will now be saved.
“The sale will be a bonus for the village as a family is moving in and it will create some work for contractors in the area as well as providing funds for some local organisations.”
Mr Gunn pointed out that after fees are deducted there will be £39,659.20p to be shared among constituted groups or charities in the Castletown area.
The hall had been on the market for £60,000 but it was decided to reduce the price to £40,000 to try and attract more potential buyers.
Mr Gunn said the building needs “a lot of money spent on it and the asking price reflected that.”
He pointed out that once the funds are distributed and the accounts audited the Traill Hall Community Trust will be wound up.
The property, described as “unique and attractive,” was gifted to the village in 1867 by Margaret Traill – the daughter of Sheriff James Traill, who pioneered the local flagstone industry – as a public hall and reading room.
It was later used as a temporary school, a canteen and a youth club before becoming a store for the Norfrost freezer firm but it has been unoccupied for almost 30 years.
The hall is the third historic building in Castletown which will be renovated. The nearby old church is being transformed into a house while the dilapidated mill by the beach has been sold and is expected to become a whisky distillery and a visitor centre.