The derelict Powys mansion known as the “red dress manor” could be set to be brought back to its former glory after receiving listed building consent from Powys County Council.

In a decision confirmed today, Powys County Council has granted listed building consent for the Grade II listed Calcott Hall in Llandysilio which may allow it to be renovated and for the barns at the property to be converted into seven new properties.

The property has been in disrepair for many years after the previous owner died in the 1970s and the property was abandoned. This led to it becoming a favourite site for urban explorers, gaining national attention for being “spooky” or “eerie”.

It became known as Red Dress Manor on account of a distinctive red dress left hanging inside. Love letters were found on the floor and personal items in the wardrobes.

Plans were initially submitted to renovate the property in 2020 saying in the applications that “the hall and its buildings have been deteriorating year by year, in light of being abandoned after the owner passed away”.

“It is important that a light touch is given to its initial renovation, to ensure that the characteristics and materials are retained” and argued for a “sympathetic and minimalistic renovation.”

A decision is still being awaited on the full plans for the property.

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Llandysilio council clerk at the time, Carol Davies, said: “The council has been urging for work to restore Calcott Hall for many years as it was once such a prominent building in the village.

“In recent years it has attracted a lot of unwanted attention with intruders causing a real nuisance to neighbours.”

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Agent's Roger Parry and Partners have said inthe planning statement: "To facilitate the renovation of the hall requires financing, which hopefully will come from the conversion of the associated barns to 7 residential units.

"The barns are all narrow, and therefore in order to provide suitable residential units without compromising existing walls, 7 units were the best fit for the site.

They later added that: "The dwelling has not been demolished or fallen into such a state of disrepair that it no longer has the substantial appearance or structure of a dwelling." 

"Any re-build shall be partial and sited within the footprint of the former dwelling and should make re-use, where practicable, of the materials and features of the former dwelling.

"The design of the renovated dwelling shall also take reference from either any recorded evidence of the architectural or archaeological interest of the former dwelling, or shall be reflective of the local vernacular."

In an earlier version of this article it was stated that the property was up for sale and had recieved planning permission. This was based on information that had been published online in error.