Hopwood Hall Estate to be featured at Historic Houses National AGM in November

Hopwood DePree who is renovating his ancestral home Hopwood Hall in Middleton has been invited by Historic Houses to give the keynote speech at Historic Houses’ forthcoming National AGM at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London on 15 November.

For Hopwood’s participation, Savills will make a contribution to the Hopwood Foundation (registered charity 1192774) in support of the rescue of Hopwood Hall and community activities.

Historic Houses represents Britain’s largest collection of independent heritage sites, including high-profile properties such as Highclere Castle. Hopwood’s lecture to the membership marks Historic Houses' annual gathering of homeowners and members and the aim of the event is to inspire with stories of the many and diverse activities taking place at properties across the country.

Hopwood, like many in the membership, now knows only too well what efforts are required and how working with amongst others the local community and grant organisations is vital in effecting a restoration of scale. His keynote speech will cover his journey from LA to Middleton to save Hopwood Hall and his recently published book ‘Downton Shabby’ (HarperCollins) which has already gone into its second printing in the US.

 

 

Ben Cowell, director general of Historic Houses, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hopwood to this prestigious event. His project to restore Hopwood Hall is a real inspiration to anyone involved in the hard work of bringing a historic house back to life.”

To which Hopwood added: “I feel deeply honoured to have been asked by Historic Houses to take part in their National AGM in November and I am looking forward to speaking to the membership, many of whom have already been very generous in offering me their help and mentorship.

He continued: “As an American and a beginner in terms of Historic House maintenance and refurbishment, it really is testament to the warmth and expertise of the membership of Historic Houses, that they have welcomed me and trusted me on my commitment and my long-term vision for the hall.”

 

 

Hopwood Hall is a Grade-II* listed building dating from the 1420s with 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th-century fabric and 20th-century additions.
 

Read more: Vital roof repairs to get underway Hopwood Hall EstatePublished: 14 July 2022