The new owners of historic Bishopscourt have vowed to ’preserve, protect and honour’ their new home.

News of the purchase was revealed as it emerged the buyers have yet to even set foot inside the sprawling estate on the outskirts of Kirk Michael.

The whole deal was dealt with ’virtually’ because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The house, which includes 12 bedrooms, eight reception rooms, five bathrooms, landscaped gardens and even a full size chapel called the Chapel of St Nicholas, had been on the market since last year for £6million.

Leisure tycoon John Morphet, who is worth £150 million in this year’s Sunday Times Rich List, decided he wanted to sell the property, but it has been confirmed he will continue to live in the island at a smaller property.

The purchasers are said to be an American couple with a keen interest in architectural history. They explained that during the summer of 2019, the couple along with their children and a mother-in-law, travelled through England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the Isle of Man.

They said: ’The time spent on the Isle of Man was the highlight of the trip.

’We appreciate the island’s natural beauty, rich history and the friendliness of the people who live here.

’Purchasing a home on the island was quite an easy decision really.

’We appreciate the help provided by Mr Morphet to facilitate the sale and hope to maintain the property to the same high standards as preceding owners.

’As a family we are extremely aware of the historical significance of Bishopscourt to the Manx people and are committed to preserving, protecting and honouring this fine home.’

It is understood the US family plan to reach out to Manx historians over the history and evolution of Bishopscourt.

A Cowley Groves spokesman said the couple are keen to ’also consult with an expert to document extant architectural fabric at the property. The purchasers are seeking historic photographs documenting Bishopscourt, especially photographs of interior rooms and Cowley Groves would dearly love to continue their assistance throughout this exciting process.’

Director of Cowley Groves, Mark Canty, said: ’On behalf of Cowley Groves I’d like to express how satisfying it is not only to attract a buyer for Bishopscourt but to also manage the previous vendor’s expectation during what is an unprecedented time for all worldwide.

’Living on a small island can often pose problems when it comes to discretion on such landmark sales but in this case the task was made easier due to the purchaser liaising predominantly through email and video calls during the Covid pandemic.

’The purchaser of Bishopscourt has not yet stepped foot inside this wonderful home.

’The whole deal has been proactively pieced together remotely by our Ramsey branch manager, Daniel Buxton.

’He has done a fantastic job accommodating an overseas purchaser by spending considerable amounts of time on live video calls at the property, answering the many questions that come with a listed building and progressing the sale liaising with the many professionals our soon to be new resident has had the pleasure of being acquainted with along the way.’

Mr Buxton said: ’It was a pleasure to work closely with our client, purchaser and various third parties on the sale of one of the most historical properties the Isle of Man has to offer and there was a considerable amount of time and effort spent by all parties due to the time difference between here and the US, answering any queries over video calls and emails.

’Overall preparing for and finalising this deal was a very positive and rewarding experience for me personally.

’I’d like to wish both the new owners and Mr Morphet all the best with their future endeavours.’

John Morphet made his fortune in caravans and leisure through the Pure Leisure group.

Bishopscourt used to have a number of Pure Leisure staff working from there in the holiday reservations department but they now work from the main offices in the north west of England. Mr Morphet would often use his helicopter to bring managers over from the north west for meetings.

Through Pure Leisure Mr Morphet runs 11 UK holiday parks and the 750-acre Royal Westmoreland estate in Barbados where famous customers include the soccer star Wayne Rooney.