A Hollywood actor locked in a legal battle with a UK council over a stately home he dubbed 'Downton Shabby' has spoken of his despair after being evicted, pinning his hopes on a looming High Court hearing.
Seven-Year Restoration Dream Ends in Lockout
Hopwood DePree, 55, says he has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into efforts to restore Hopwood Hall, a 60-room, 15th-century mansion in Middleton, Greater Manchester. The actor and film producer, who grew up in Michigan, was inspired by his grandfather's bedtime stories about the family's English ancestral home, which his descendants left when they moved to the US centuries ago.
He published a book titled 'Downton Shabby' about his mission to revamp the grade II listed building, which has been associated with his family for 400 years. However, in November 2022, Rochdale Borough Council terminated a seven-year partnership with Mr DePree, locked the gates, and removed him from the £13 million restoration project. A £250,000 offer from the National Lottery Heritage Fund was also withdrawn.
High Court Battle Looms as Council Deadline Passes
Mr DePree has now issued legal proceedings against the council in a bid to regain access. A hearing has been listed for January 19 to discuss timelines for the council's response. "The council have got until January to respond - we've heard nothing back from them at all," Mr DePree told the Daily Mail. "I can't believe that a public body could act in this way. We've been kicked to the kerb."
He contests the council's claim that his redevelopment was too slow and that he failed to present a viable business plan. "I presented a business plan at a council meeting in July 2022 and there was full support," he insisted. His lawyers argue the council should honour an agreement to sell him the hall for a 'nominal sum', claiming the only condition was securing planning permission, which was granted in 2022.
Community Support and Historical Significance
The actor claims strong local backing for his vision to transform the estate into an arts hub, wedding venue, and cultural centre. Volunteers have helped restore the gardens, winning awards from the Royal Horticultural Society. Former Rochdale councillor Peter Allonby said the project has "massive community support".
Dating from 1426, Hopwood Hall has a rich history: Guy Fawkes once stayed there, and Lord Byron finished his poem 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage' within its walls. The Hopwood family sold the property in 1922 after losing two sons in the First World War. Rochdale Council purchased it in the 1990s.
Council leader Neil Emmott previously stated the authority must protect public assets and could not allow a transfer to a private individual without due care. The council says it remains committed to the hall's future and has recently completed £466,000 in roof repairs funded with Historic England. A new feasibility study for the site's future is underway.
Mr DePree, speaking from the US but planning to return to Manchester, described the house as being in a "terrible state" but believes his project was making a real difference. The High Court will now decide the fate of his ancestral home dream.
