The House That Never Was – Yet!

Announced recently by Michael C L Hodgson is the sale Hwith – one of the North’s finest country houses never yet built! This Alice-in-Wonderland contradiction is a remarkable opportunity near Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria, which features exquisite formal and informal gardens of 3.75 acres, impressive ornamental gates, stone-built follies, a tennis lawn and outstanding views. This is without a doubt a property fit for an Earl – but there is apparently nowhere to live!

Solving this riddle involves studying the plans for an up-to-date, classically-designed house drawn up by the renowned architect Quinlan Terry CBE in 2009. The 4 bedroomed home pays tribute the great tradition of the English country mansion, with its inspiring proportions and crafted stonework. Foundations and cellar work have already been started, so the design is planning-approved, with permission that cannot lapse.

Hwith was, in fact, a former Victorian mansion demolished in 1927. It is – or was – located near Ravenstonedale, in the Upper Lune Valley near Sedbergh in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This is a region of peace and outstanding beauty, and provides an opportunity to buy, and build, which is almost unrivalled anywhere in the UK. Quinlan Terry’s design shows proposals for a traditional-style detached country house, completely in keeping with the setting and landscaped formal gardens.

The drawings depict a magnificent symmetrical front elevation with a classical portico entrance. Windows are stone-mullioned and the roof features tall chimneys and parapeted gables.

Graham Iles, Director of Michael CL Hodgson adds: “Without a doubt, this is one of the most striking plots of land with planning permission we have ever been invited to sell. It is an exquisite site which has virtually everything, except the house – which of course is the great opportunity it presents the new owners.”

“It is unusual for the setting to be so complete, without the centerpiece of the dwelling, but this is certainly no disadvantage when you see the magnificent plans which have been prepared by Quinlan Terry.”

“The restored formal gardens and fine, mature woodland with an array of specimen trees, the handsome pillared entrance gateway, the part-walled former tennis lawn, and the completed garage and workshops – are all inspiring.”

The mystery of the missing house and its name is explained by referring to Hwith’s original owner, John Hewetson, who built a Gothic mansion there in 1869. The name is derived from the initials of John and his four brothers – Henry, William, Thomas, John and Humphrey. After the First World War the mansion was no longer required, and so was demolished in 1927. The new designs, which are for a slightly smaller house, are possibly finer than the original. They are certainly well in keeping with the setting, and the requirements modern country living!

The architect himself has been described as the single most distinguished and prolific architect at work in the classical tradition in either Britain or the United States.  His work is a firm favourite of Prince Charles. Projects have included The State Rooms at 10 Downing Street, Brentwood Cathedral, and Paternoster Square in London. The planning process for Hwith is mentioned in Quinlan Terry’s book “Radical Classicism” with the foreword written by Prince Charles.

Details of the property, which is on the market for offers around £525,000, can be obtained from Michael CL Hodgson in Kendal, 36 Finkle Street, Kendal, Cumbria, Tel: 01539 721 375 or online at www.michael-cl-hodgson.co.uk.v