Castell Gyrn's owner did not want to spoil the surrounding countryside

Castell Gyrn in the Vale of Clwyd was built in 1977 and is just 25 years old.

North Wales is renowned for its 13th Century castles but the Denbighshire fortress was built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II rather than Edward I.

The modern fortress comes complete with draught exclusion, full plumbing and double glazing.

It has been put on the market following the death of its former owner, architect John Taylor.

"It's not a draughty, leaky, crumbling ruin. It's a very well built stone building," said estate agent Graham Adnitt from Jackson-Stops and Staff.

This is certainly the first castle I've been asked to sell this year Graham Adnitt

"It's got the most stunning position with staggering views right across the Vale of Clwyd.

"It has four bedrooms, is double glazed, comes with 15 acres of land, a lodge and second house," he added.

Most of the other castle's in the region have not stood the test of time and have fallen down.

However, nearby Chirk Castle on the outskirts of Wrexham is occupied by the Myddelton family who bought it in 1595, for �5,000.

Other fortresses including one built by Edward I in Rhuddlan during the 13th century are now ruins.

Castell Gyrn's previous owner Mr Taylor was a renowned architect who lived in the Vale of Clwyd during World War II.

Native

He was a founder partner of a London practice of architects and the design of New Scotland Yard was among his early work.

He decided to build a "modern" castle after ruling that a more conventional house would be a blight on the surrounding countryside.

The castle, which was built in four stages, is designed in the tradition of a Scottish tower house or native Welsh castle such as the one at Dolwyddelan near Llanrwst.

Castell Gyrn is four storey's high and Mr Adnitt believes its location - between Ruthin and Chester - will make it appealing to people from both sides of the border.

"This is certainly the first castle I've been asked to sell this year," he added.