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Couple trapped in unsellable mansion due to landslide risks

A Welsh couple report ongoing safety issues that have made their £1.2 million mansion impossible to sell.

August 3, 2025 at 09:36 AM

We bought 20 bed Welsh mansion for £9k - it's now worth £1.2m but we can't sell it

Charles and Patricia Lester detail their struggles to sell their valued home.

Couple unable to sell historic mansion due to serious land issues

A couple in Wales bought a historic 20-bedroom mansion for just £9,000 in 1971. Now valued at £1.2 million, they cannot sell it due to ongoing issues with landslides and canal leaks. Charles and Patricia Lester have experienced the danger of living near the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, which has caused serious safety concerns for decades. Despite being able to attract interest with their property’s high valuation, they have seen offers fall through due to the structural risks involved. The couple contends that neglect by the Canal and River Trust has contributed to their predicament.

Key Takeaways

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The Lesters bought their home for £9,000 in 1971, now worth £1.2 million.

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Ongoing landslides and canal leaks have made the property unsellable.

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A significant landslide in 1975 nearly caused tragedy for the couple.

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They accepted an offer of £850,000, but it fell through due to safety concerns.

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The Canal and River Trust has been criticized for negligence regarding maintenance.

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Their case reflects broader issues about infrastructure responsibility and safety.

"We have been trying to sell the house for the last ten to twelve years. It has ruined our retirement."

Mr. Lester reflects on the impact of their situation on their lives.

"Can you imagine what would happen if it went in the middle of the night?"

Mrs. Lester expresses her constant fear regarding the safety of their home.

The Lesters' plight highlights critical concerns surrounding infrastructure maintenance and property safety. Their experience touches on deeper issues related to public safety and the responsibility of governmental bodies. As aging homeowners face similar challenges across rural areas, there may be increasing pressure for better regulatory oversight. This case raises questions about who ultimately bears the cost of negligence in public infrastructure maintenance, especially when innocent homeowners suffer significant losses and health impacts as a consequence.

Highlights

What happens if our house collapses in the middle of the night?
Living with the fear of landslides is a nightmare.
Decades of neglect from the Canal Trust led us here.
This property was once our dream, now it feels like a trap.

Significant risks posed by infrastructure neglect

The Lesters face serious safety concerns due to landslides and canal issues that compromise their property's value and livability. This highlights the risks homeowners face when public infrastructure is poorly maintained.

The fate of the Lesters' home raises pressing concerns about community safety and infrastructure oversight.

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infrastructure safety property wales real estate community legal health

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