MONCTON – A castle in Moncton, once listed for $699,000, has finally been sold after nine months on the market.
“I think this one is at the top of the list,” says realtor Kathy Guitard, who has been connected with the listing since it hit the market back in January.
Many local residents want to know who the buyer is, but details of the sale, are being kept quiet.
The only information that has been released is that the buyer is a developer out of British Columbia with a relative in Moncton.
Completed in 1908, the 19,000 square-foot castle was originally a convent. Over the years, it has served many different purposes, and was last used as a seniors home.
Renovation estimates are in the $1 million range.
Guitard says what’s stronger than the mystery behind the sale is the desire to keep the castle in good hands.
“It is not being torn down. They are working with the existing structure and then from there, they have a whole lot of renovations to do just because of the condition,” says Guitard.
“I’m thrilled,” says local resident Gwynne Hughes. “It has been vacant for a number of years and it has been vandalized. As you can see, the windows on the ground floor are now boarded up.”
Also helping with the building’s restoration is the City of Moncton, which has established improved infrastructure like water and sewage.
“We are really thrilled to have the property in the hands of a developer who is going to move forward on an upcoming project,” says Moncton’s Economic Development Director Kevin Silliker.
For Hughes, all that matters is that the building’s historical significance is honoured.
“Hopefully somebody will love it and care for it and restore it to its former glory.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's David Bell
