Grand home restored with a dash of 'Downton Abbey' style

When Dale Alderton was a boy, his route to school took him past Darley Cliffe Hall and he often marvelled at the property’s size and grandeur.

So when it came on the market three years ago, he couldn’t resist buying it.

Dale and his partner, Andrew Taylor, have since restored and modernised the historic house, which had been split into two homes.

“We have converted it back into one house and we have completely overhauled it,” says Andrew. “We have done everything from roofing and re-pointing to the plumbing, electrics and landscaping. Every single room has been put back to how it was originally.”

The couple, who run the popular Fanny and Bacardi nightclub in Wakefield, have spent a small fortune on the project and have been praised by heritage specialists for their efforts. They have preserved and repaired all the original features. These include the fireplaces, which are now decorated with gold leaf, decorative plasterwork, panelling and shutters.

The house, near Barnsley, which has 5,000 sq. ft of space, has a rare grade two star listing and dates to 1685. However, the building reflects a radical makeover in the early 18th century, which gave it its gorgeous Georgian looks. The facades reflect classic Georgian architecture and include 15 pane sash windows and portico doors.

Estate agent David Martindale of FSL says: “The hall has a mini Downton Abbey feel and offers a chance to purchase Georgian grandeur and opulence at a realistic price.”

The property has a hall, panelled morning room, a drawing room with a concealed door leading to a priest hole, a formal dining room with a listed plaque of an Aesop fable, a cloakroom, a kitchen and breakfast room with three ovens, two dishwashers, and three fridge/freezers and a utility room. One the first and second floors, there are six bedrooms and four bathrooms. The basement has a wine cellar and storage. The house sits in two acres of grounds, which include a walled garden with an infinity fish pool.

Dale and Andrew are selling to downsize and Andrew says: “We love the house but it really is too big for just the two of us. We feel sad about selling after all the work we have put into it and we spent far more money than we intended but it has been very rewarding.

“What really made our day was when one of the servants who used to work here in the early part of last century came to see what we had done. She said the house used to have a cold, austere atmosphere but now it feels warm and full of love.”

Contact: FSL tel: 01924 200101, www.fslestateagents.com