AN Exmoor mansion which has controversially hosted sex and swingers parties for the past year is going under the hammer with a guide-price of £1.5 million.

But the owner, Allen McCloud, said this week that, after historic Croydon Hall near Rodhuish has been sold on February 13, he will look for a smaller venue in the area for his adult private members’ club Exclusively Silks.

“There was some initial opposition from some local residents but it has proved to be a really good business and the demand, both locally and from further afield, has exceeded our expectations,” he said.

“Our monthly adult events have been packed and we’ve even had people coming down from Scotland.

“No-one wants us to close but we need to find a more suitable venue – and that’s what we’re doing.

“Croydon Hall is a beautiful place but it has proved too big and not intimate enough for our needs.

“We plan to move to somewhere slightly smaller, less remote and perhaps nearer the M5 but have every intention of staying in this area.”

Controversy has dogged the £80-a-night club since it was started by Mr McCloud and two partners in January 2019 to provide “fun, passion and pure indulgence”.

Described on its website as “a Disneyland for adults”, the club held “intimate parties for classy sophisticated couples and single ladies”. In its first week the website had 12,000 hits.

Neighbours complained of excessive noise and increased traffic until three and four in the morning and there were reports of exchanges among guests leading to fights.

Read the full story in today’s Free Press.