PICTURES show how a once popular County Durham hotel looks as it has just been sold after years of remaining vacant.

Overgrown weeds, concrete blocks and faded paint has taken the shine from the historic Eden Arms hotel in Rushyford, near Chilton, after it closed some years ago.

It previously faced demolition after developers recently applied to Durham County Council for a determination on whether prior approval would be needed for its removal.

Read more: Landmark historic hotel in County Durham facing demolition within months

The condition of the building inside is not known but it was last year seen on the market for a total of £1m, with listings saying the site could be "ideal" for development.

It is understood that 24 hour security remain on site to monitor the building.  

This week, it was confirmed that the site had been sold after being on the market for a £1m.

The Northern Echo visited the hotel to see how the once-popular venue looks now and we were met with the following sight.

Do you think it should be saved? What do you think could be done with it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The Northern Echo:

Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The Northern Echo:

Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The Northern Echo:

Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The Northern Echo:

Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The Northern Echo:

Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The Northern Echo:

Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The Northern Echo:

Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

On social media, residents in the area and former guests previously shared their views on the future of the venue.

One Facebook user wrote: “It's a part of history surely another hotel chain could take it on.”

Whilst others said it “will be sad to see it go”, “no way, this is an historical building” and “it’s our heritage”.

But another stated: “It’s not getting used, probably won’t reopen.

“It will just end up being broken into and vandalised. Knock it down and build a load of affordable housing.”

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