Derelict Pineheath failed to sell at auction but buyer interest is high in Harrogate's most iconic historic home

“However, there is clearly a lot of interest in it and we are now looking to see if we can do a deal post auction.”

The lot, which had a guide price of £3.5m, included the historic house and a pair of refurbished, three to four bedroom, semi-detached coach houses let in assured shorthold tenancies that bring in an annual £51,240.

Simon Croft believes the chances of the main house being renovated as a single dwelling are slim due to the prohibitively high costs of restoration, though it does have permission for conversion to apartments.

The property on Cornwall Road, Harrogate, has been empty since Lady Bomanji passed away in 1986 and has gradually slipped into wrack and ruin, much to the sadness of those who recall its heydays. It is in such a perilous state that it is too dangerous for would-be buyers to view its interiors.

Built in the late 1890's Pineheath and its vast, opulent interiors played host to the great and the good under the Bomanji’s ownership. They were much-loved and well-known figures in British high society and counted members of the royal family as friends.

The couple Bomanjis often spent the autumn months at Pineheath after summer in their Windsor home. Winters were usually spent in Poona.

The mansion that boasted 40 bedrooms was later sold to a Yorkshire businessman who initially promised to restore the decaying mansion to its former glory. Planning consent was later granted for conversion to apartments.

Feather Smales Scales say: “This site of approximately 0.83 acres represents a unique opportunity to provide either a stunning new home or quality residential apartments in what is considered to be one of the premier residential locations in Harrogate.”

Visit www.ffsproperty.co.uk for further details.