The National Trust is in talks with the owners of a popular wedding venue in County Durham about the possibility of buying it.
Owners Maggie and Keith Bell decided to close the picturesque property and surrounding grounds of Crook Hall and Gardens last summer saying the impact of the coronavirus lockdown triggered its liquidation.
They said the pandemic gave them "an insurmountable challenge" which forced them to shut their doors for good leaving hundreds of couples' wedding plans in shreds.
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Heartbroken couples previously opened up on the stress of losing money and having their wedding plans thrown off course with some saying it set their marriage plans back for several years.
But now it seems a new future could be in store for the 13th century Grade I-listed hall and popular venue which has a medieval manor house that is one of the oldest inhabited houses in the city.
The National Trust has since confirmed that it is in talks with the current owners of Crook Hall and Gardens about its future and how it could provide visitors "better access to nature, beauty, and history".
A spokesperson for the National Trust said: "The National Trust is in conversation with the current owners of Crook Hall and Gardens about its future, and how this Grade I listed Manor House, Medieval Hall, gardens and countryside could provide the community and visitors better access to nature, beauty, and history in County Durham.
"Our discussions are ongoing, and we will share more information as these conversations progress."
