THE owners of Ilkley's Myddelton Lodge have put the 13th century spiritual retreat up for sale.

It is expected to trigger a rush of international interest in what the sale agents describe as 'a unique opportunity.'

The Gazette can reveal the Diocese of Leeds has reluctantly decided to sell the grade one listed building, off Langbar Road, and part of the grounds. The price guide is £750,000.

However, the Diocese is adamant the decision is necessary if it is to develop its commitment to young people.

John Grady, a spokesman for the diocese, said: "It is with deep regret that this is the decision that has had to be made, but there is no other way that a viable future for youth work can be achieved unless we provided the proper facilities.

"It is just not possible to provide them in the present buildings."

The Lodge, home for centuries to the Middeltons, possibly Ilkley's most famous family, was bought by the Passionist Fathers in 1922 and developed as a retreat centre.

In 1985 the Lodge was bought by the Diocese of Leeds.

Latterly it has been the diocese base for retreats for young people.

It is to develop this work that the Diocese now wants to sell off the old house, church and flats.

Mr Grady said: "The buildings that were put up on the site in the 1960s are in a state whereby they cannot be repaired, so they need to be removed.

The plan is to build accommodation for about 50 guests and separate accommodation for the staff so as to be able to continue work with young people at Myddelton."

He said the Diocese was well aware of the Lodge's importance to Ilkley and the town's residents. He said any future development would be in a 'proper and sympathetic manner.'

David Chary, of Leeds-based chartered surveyors Weatherall, Green and Smith, said the Lodge would come onto the property market in the Spring.

He said: "News of this sale will spark local, regional, national and international interest.

"I am expecting an enormous amount of interest. I can say quite confidently that this is an almost unique opportunity."

Mr Chary echoed Mr Grady's thoughts on the importance of proper consultation and appropriate development.

"We are at pains to stress the integrity of this grade one listed building is of paramount importance to all of us," he said.

Mr Grady said any potential buyer would have to accept the new diocese youth retreat centre as its neighbour.

He also stressed the sale would not lead to any loss of jobs at the centre.

He said the official planning process for the new accommodation would get underway shortly.

"We remain committed to Ilkley as a base for this youth work."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.