AN Eden pub boss has become the proud new owner of the iconic Sleddale Hall that has attracted interest from across the world over recent weeks.
The derelict farmhouse, near Shap, which was made famous by the cult 1980s film Withnail and I, was snapped up by Sebastian Hindley for £265,000 at a London auction yesterday (Monday).
The confessed Withnail fanatic plans to restore the isolated property, which is known to millions as Uncle Monty’s cottage, and keep it open to the fans.
The 40-year-old, who runs The Mardale Inn just six miles from Sleddale Hall, said: “I have paid a high price for Sleddale Hall with no planning permission. However I want to preserve its heritage which has been increased by the iconic film. I want to see it back like it used to be in the film and where scenes were filmed elsewhere, try and incorporate those into the whole package. That means there will be no vehicles allowed but visitors will be most welcome.”
For the full story see this week's The Westmorland Gazette (Friday, February 20).
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