A unique slice of Huddersfield’s history is up for sale.
As one of the most important and oldest houses in the Huddersfield area, Longley Old Hall, which has its roots in the 14th Century, is a rare property that holds a special place in the history of the town.
The former home of the Ramsden family, who created the basis of the town we know today, the hall has been in the ownership of Robin and Christine Gallagher for the last 15 years. The couple are currently in the process of decking up the hall for Christmas in the original historical style using all natural decorations like holly, ivy, berries and other garden foliage.
Traditionally Christmas decorations were only brought inside and hung on Christmas Eve and then left for the 12 days of the season.
Longley Old Hall is a timber-framed Grade II* listed house, situated in the original Longley area of Huddersfield. It was owned by the Ramsden family, the Lords of the Manors of Almondbury and Huddersfield, from about 1540. The house was restored by John William Ramsden, Lord of the Manor in the 1800s.
In the book England’s Thousand Best Houses, by Simon Jenkins, the house is described as ‘an architectural goldmine’.
Robin said: “We feel very privileged to have been a part of the history of this house and feel as if we have been just one of the chapters in the long story of Longley Old Hall. Christine and I feel as if we have been caretakers of this unique house and we are now moving on to make way for new owners who will take responsibility for this historical home.’’
As well as being of extreme historical importance, Longley Old Hall is today a warm and cosy family home, which retains many of its original features including stone leaded mullion windows, exposed ancient oak timbers, stone-flagged floors and oak panelling.
Robin and Christine have carried out careful restoration at the hall and furnished their home in keeping with its original features, while still managing to create a welcoming and charming house suitable for modern life.
Originally the house was built in the shape of an H; today the two Medieval wings are clearly visible with one of the bedrooms dating back to the 1350s. The open hall, which connected the two wings, was later extended to create the house as it stands today. One of the most important historical features of the house is a Medieval floor, which has attracted a lot of interest from historians. The front door still has the original drawbar for traditional security.
Downstairs the house has three reception rooms, large kitchen, morning room, snug and utility room. Upstairs the house has five double bedrooms, and two bathrooms, providing ample space for family and guests.
Outside, the property has a traditional Elizabethan knot garden, full of ancient plants, old varieties of roses and herbs, a large area of adjoining woodland and stables, barn and garage of modern construction. The garden is best viewed from an upstairs room to get full advantage of its layout and formal design.
Robin and Christine feel it is now time for a change and are currently looking for a new home but have yet to find the right house.
This is a fabulous unique property, which holds a special place in Huddersfield’s heart and needs a special owner to carry it forward into the history books and the next chapter in its long and interesting life.
The property is being marketed by Yorkshire’s Finest 01484 689880.
PRICE: £845,000
