The Grade I-listed Hensol Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, is set to be transformed into a new five-star, 50-bed boutique hotel and spa as part of a new £35m development.

A number of other mansion buildings situated within the 150-acre (61-hectare) parkland will also be converted into apartments as part of the proposals, which have been drawn up by the independent retail and leisure company, the Leekes Group. Acquired by the Leekes Group in 2003, Hensol Castle Park is situated adjacent to the four-star Vale Resort, which is also owned by the company and includes two championship golf course, a 143-bedroom hotel and one of Wales' largest health spas.

Stephen Leeke, the managing director of both the Vale Resort and Hensol Castle Park, said: "We are well aware of the market conditions but know that this development has a definite X factor and something very valuable to offer in terms of its location and setting." The Vale Resort is also currently expanding its sports facilities as part of a £20m scheme to provide six international-standard training pitches for football and rugby, as well as an artificial grass pitch opened in May and a sports pavilion, which was completed in December 2008.