The bridging loan secured against a castle was for 18 month term and completed in just four weeks.

The 300-acre estate grounds contain a large 12th-Century, Jacobean house and a medieval castle dating back to 1174 — one of the oldest dwellings in the country.

The property was purchased by a high-net-worth family, who are exploring a possible conversion of the castle and grounds for alternative uses.

Exit will be through refinancing.