A beautiful listed building in West Cumbria which had accommodated weddings and afternoon teas will now return to solely being a home after Allerdale Council approved its change of use.

Camerton Hall, in Camerton, near Seaton, is a Grade II Georgian manor house, set in 6.56 acres, and until recently in addition to a residence has been a luxury wedding venue and offered afternoon teas in a private function venue.

Owner at the time of the application, Richard Cole, who lived at the property for the past 12 years, had applied to convert the three ground-floor rooms back to original use as a single private dwelling.

This will be done by removing the mixed business/hospitality use.

Mr Cole said: “We were coming up to full retirement and have decided to sell.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed living at Camerton Hall.

“But the virus has killed the business. We are looking forward to moving out now.”

New occupants were due to exchange contracts at the end of last month.

Allerdale councillor for Broughton and St Bridget’s ward Nicky Cockburn said it was a shame that the public will not get to see it again. She said: “I’m pleased it’s going to be inhabited and used. It’s sad that the tea rooms have closed, it’s a beautiful place.

“Faith [Cole] was kind enough to host some flood meetings there and the building is stunning. It’s a shame the public won’t get to see it again.”

The property went on the market in August this year, with a guide price of £1.2m.

The hall was built on the site of a stone house dating back to the 15th century and had a pele tower.

The stately hall has retained period features throughout, including high ceilings, plenty of Art Nouveau features and marble fireplaces.

The ground floor has five reception rooms, which include a grand banqueting hall, a billiard room, drawing room, sitting room and bar/lounge.

There are two kitchens, two utility rooms, nine bedrooms, play room and several bathrooms. Outside are landscaped gardens and a walled kitchen garden.

There are links to Thomas Curwen, known as Black Tom, whose life-size effigy lies in St Peter’s Church at Camerton, which is also a Grade II listed building.

The Cooke family came into possession of the property in 1719 and in 1833 the family rebuilt the hall where it stands today.