A property restoration story that began like a fairy tale has turned into a costly legal nightmare, and highlights the complexities of heritage property development and the risks of public-private partnerships.
In 2017, American actor, Hopwood DePree, struck what seemed like a great deal with Rochdale Council. He would restore his family’s ancestral home – the Grade II* listed Hopwood Hall in Middleton, Greater Manchester – in exchange for the option to purchase the historic building for a nominal fee.
The 500 year old hall, once home to Lord Byron and nicknamed “Downton Shabby” by DePree, had fallen into severe disrepair. For DePree, who discovered his English roots through online genealogy research, saving the property became a personal mission.
Investment and commitment
DePree’s commitment was substantial. He relocated from California to England, sold his American home, and invested hundreds of thousands of pounds of personal funds into the restoration. Over seven years, he coordinated volunteers who transformed the derelict gardens into award-winning landscapes.
The project attracted significant attention, with DePree even writing a book about his restoration efforts. The property retained its historical treasures, including an ornate fireplace gifted by Lord Byron himself.
However, everything changed in November 2023 when Rochdale Council suddenly locked DePree out of the property without warning. The council claimed he had failed to meet the agreement’s requirements, specifically the need to produce a viable business plan and to secure funding for the hall’s long-term future.
Legal battle
DePree is now taking the council to the High Court, arguing that the authority has unfairly changed its position since the original 2017 agreement. His legal team claims to have uncovered evidence through freedom of information requests that supports their case.
The dispute centres on whether DePree fulfilled his obligations under the original agreement and whether the council acted appropriately in terminating the arrangement.
Rochdale Council maintains its decision was financially responsible. Despite investing £1.7 million in the building over seven years, independent consultants concluded that DePree’s proposed business model would be loss-making and unlikely to attract future funding.
The council argues it has a duty to protect public investment and explore alternative options for the building’s future. It remains committed to seeing the hall restored but requires a commercially viable approach.
Lesson for property investors
Anyone considering heritage property projects should be aware of the many pitfalls. Be prepared by providing:
- Clear Documentation: Ensure all agreement terms are explicitly defined and measurable;
- Financial Planning: Develop robust business cases early in the process;
- Regular Reviews: Establish milestone checkpoints to assess progress;
- Exit Strategies: Plan for various scenarios if partnerships fail.
For DePree, the dispute represents nearly a decade of lost investment and dreams. For the council, it highlights the challenges of balancing heritage preservation with fiscal responsibility.
The case serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of heritage property development, where good intentions don’t always guarantee successful outcomes. As the legal battle continues, the historic Hopwood Hall remains locked and empty, its future uncertain.