Harefield Hall, Harefield Drive, Heywood, OL10 1RN 0161 6265688
Harefield Hall, Harefield Drive, Heywood, OL10 1RN The Victorian mill owner who built Harefield Hall in 1846 could not have envisaged how this beautiful stone building, set in immaculate, manicured gardens, would evolve over the years. Mr Richard Kay was a local magistrate as well as owner of a cotton mill, when he built the house as a family home, but in the 1960s it became the halls of residence for De La Salle College. By the time the present owners saw the building in 1992, it was already converted back to a family home. Today, it combines all the best of modern living with period features of an older building. It is a house where the extensive gardens, with mature conifers, palms, native trees and rhododendrons, almost come inside, through the numerous glass doors and large windows. A large fountain sits on the lawn in front of the house with its portico entrance and arched doorway. The massive door with two stained glass panels on either side is just one of the hall s period features. Inside, a sumptuous hallway awaits the visitor, with a large ornamental limestone fireplace occupying one wall. Lights have been fitted into the original ornate coving, classical style pediments have been added to the doorways and the floor is white and cream porcelain tiles. One doorway with smoky glass panels, leads into a black and white decorated cinema room with a window overlooking one of the two ponds, stocked with Koi carp, at the side of the house. An open fire burns in the marble-effect fireplace and the black and white theme continues in the coving. The drawing room, next door, is decorated in cream and gold, colours that permeate much of the house. A gas fire is set into a white plaster fireplace and the double aspect windows provide views of the side and back gardens. The TV lounge, with a stone fireplace, also overlooks the back garden and the indoor 4.5mx10.6m swimming pool. The large kitchen provides everything needed for entertaining, from an induction hob, oven and second steam oven, to two plate warmers, coffee machine, wine cooler and two fridges. The dishwasher and microwave oven are situated in the walk-in pantry.
The floor has brown ceramic tiles and the units are cream with granite worktops. The large breakfast bar can seat six and the island units are faced in a wood finish. The German taupe wallpaper in the kitchen continues into the dining room, a room large enough to take a 10 seater dining table and is an ideal room for entertaining. Glass doors fold back onto the outside dining area and patio. At the other side of the house, a pool lounge with a marble tiled floor and classical columns lends a Mediterranean touch, with travertine on the walls, leading to the bar in maple wood with a granite bar top. Beyond, is the pool shower room and toilet fitted with vanity units in maple finish. The inviting pool has a non-slip tiled floor with recessed lighting and banks of fitted seats upholstered in black and white stripes. Four doors fold back to reveal an outside decked and marquee area. The shallow pool is one depth throughout, so is suitable for children and adult swimmers. More plaster columns that have been marbleised, complete the look. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, two of which are very large and split level. The master bedroom s en suite is up a few steps from the bedroom and has a white balustrade. It overlooks the front garden and the cottage next door, which would make a granny annexe. The en suite bathroom has a Jacuzzi bath, two vanity units with basins, a steam room and shower. There is also a large dressing room fully fitted with shelves and rails. An upstairs study, fitted with a mahogany desk and units, could be turned into an extra bedroom, if needed. Bedroom one is the largest of the bedrooms and again is split level with an en suite shower room and a large balcony overlooking one of the ponds. The cottage has also been modernised and has bi-folding doors onto a large decked area. The open plan kitchen has white units and one bedroom with views of the garden. Outside, there are large electronic gates, a full security system, garaging for four cars and an area with thatched umbrellas for eating from the barbecue. Piped music throughout the garden is great for entertaining. In fact, Harefield Hall is perfect for all entertaining. There is a children s play area and at the back, a gravel tennis court and a golf bunker. No expense has been spared in the renovation work over the last 20 years and every need is catered for. Now it needs a new family to continue to love and care for this Victorian gem.
IMPORTANT NOTICE-No checks have been made of any services (water,electricity, gas and drainage), heating appliances or any other electrical or mechanical equipment in the property. (1) The particulars are set out as a general outline only for the guidance of the intending purchasers and do not constitute, nor constitute part of, an offer or contract.(2) All descriptions, dimensions, references to conditions and necessary permissions for use and occupation and other details are given in good faith and are believed to be correct but any intending purchaser should not rely on them as statements or representations of fact but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correction of each of them.(3) The property is offered subject to contract and still being available at the time of enquiry and no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or expenses incurred in viewing. Alan Kirkham Prestige, 509 Middleton Road, Chadderton Oldham, OL9 9SH Tel: 01616265688 or 0161 9253758 Fax: 0161 6280350 Email: iona@alankirkham.co.uk Web: www.alankirkham.co.uk 0161 6265688