It is sometimes said that opportunity is where you find it, which is certainly the case with our latest unique property listing for the site of the former Downing Hall.
It’s an area that harbours a fascinating rich history, natural beauty and several avenues of potential that combine to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t find anywhere else.
The History of Downing Hall
Downing Hall was built by the wealthy Pennant family in 1627, on a site located approx. 1 km North East of the village of Whitford, Flintshire.
The Pennant family were known for their influence across England and Wales, owning several properties including their principal seat, Bychton Hall at Mostyn in Flintshire.
In its day, Downing Hall was a suitably impressive country home. The house was set back in a private setting with wings projecting forward on either side and surrounded by impressive grounds. The southeast aspect of the property featured a prominent bay window with the family coat of arms above, while the front of the house displayed the Welsh motto Heb Dduw, heb ddim, a Duw a digon - without God, without anything; God and enough.
The naturalist, antiquary and traveller, Thomas Pennant, inherited the house from his father Richard in 1763 and notably described the house as being "incapable of being improved into a magnitude exceeding the revenue of the family."
The home would survive until the mid-20th century after a fire seriously damaged the building’s structure in 1922, leading to it finally being demolished in 1953.
The Site of Downing Hall Today
Although Downing Hall itself is sadly lost to time, the site of the former home is still a fascinating location with unique features that set it apart from anything else on the market.
The site is nestled in 8.5 acres of ancient magical woodland, offering a wide range of commercial and residential uses. Beneath is a labyrinth of cellars that reveal a bygone age, and there is even a nearby established water source where water can be abstracted from a 51-metre borehole drawn through carboniferous sandstone.
The borehole was previously licensed to abstract 43,800 cubic metres of water (43,800,000 litres) per year, although the source capacity is considerably higher. The borehole wellhead is currently located within a timber shed inside a secure compound, making it the ideal site for a potential commercial spring water bottling business.
An Idyllic Location
Also within the acreage is a beautiful lake with an attractive meadow to the side that would be ideal for use as an exclusive ‘glamping’ location. An original Georgian plunge pool and Downing Dell Well offer water so pure that it served the residents of Downing Hall for decades.
The current popularity of Yoga retreats and woodland bathing opens the door to converting the site into a thriving business, especially when combined with the location’s proximity to the A55.
Alternatively, the lake could be stocked with Brown Trout and run as a commercial fishing lake with overnight accommodation (subject to obtaining the relevant planning consent).
A Bespoke Family Home
For those looking to create a fully unique family home, planning permission could be sought for the erection of a new property. This could even take the form of a one-of-a-kind eco home, taking advantage of the original stone of the Downing Hall ruins to create a residence quite unlike anything else.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about this fascinating opportunity and take the first steps towards making your property dreams a reality, simply visit the full property listing using the link below:
Since 1836, Meller Braggins has been helping to write the next chapter of the lives of local Cheshire residents, particularly in Altrincham, Knutsford and Wilmslow. Through proactive home selling, letting and auctioning, we've had the privilege of playing a key part in keeping Cheshire's property market moving for almost two centuries.
Today, Richard Greenham and Simon Middleton manage the day-to-day running of the business, while acting as Client Directors for property owners, delivering unrivalled, personal customer service at every stage of the sale process.
To buy or sell your property with Meller Braggins, feel free to contact us today, or call 01565 656 544.