Downing Hall Downing Road, Whitford, Holywell

An exceptionally unique opportunity to purchase the site of the former Downing Hall, which nestles in 8.5 acres of ancient magical woodland, offering a wide range of commercial and residential uses. Currently on the site is the ruins of the Hall, which stands testament to the grandeur of the property that once stood, beneath which are a labyrinth of cellars that reveal a by-gone age. The site has an established water source where water can be abstracted from a 51 metre borehole drawn through carboniferous sandstone. The bore hole was previously licensed to abstract 43,800 cubic meters of water (43,800,000 litres) per year, although the source capacity is considerably higher. A timber cabin housing the borehole well head, enclosed in a secure metal fenced compound is currently on site. Planning permission could be sought for the construction of a much more substantial building to run a commercial spring water bottling business from.

Within the acreage is a beautiful lake, with most attractive meadow to the side that would be ideal for use as an exclusive ‘glamping’ location, where visitors could enjoy relaxing in the original Georgian plunge pool and Downing Dell Well where the water is so pure that it served the residents of Downing Hall. Currently, Yoga retreats and woodland bathing is particularly popular which given the sites easy access to the A55 would make it a superb offering. The lake could be stocked with Brown Trout and therefore be run as a commercial fishing lake with overnight accommodation (subject to obtaining the relevant planning consents).

For those wishing to live a sustainable lifestyle in a stunning setting, planning permission could be sought for the erection of an ‘eco’ home on the site of the Downing Hall ruins where the original stone could be recycled to create a wonderful family home.

History

The site is located approx. 1 km North East of the village of Whitford, Flintshire. The famous and highly acclaimed Welshman, Thomas Pennant, an antiquarian, explorer and natural historian was born at the Hall. Joseph Banks the famous plants man and collector visited the hall many times as did many other notable naturalists. Downing Hall was built by the Pennant family in 1627,^[1] their principal seat being a mansion Bychton Hall at Mostyn, Flintshire, built before 1572. The front of Downing Hall was set back with wings projecting forward on either side. On the south east side there was a prominent bay window with the family coat of arms above. On the front of the house was the Welsh motto Heb Dduw, heb ddim, a Duw a digon (without God, without anything; God and enough).^[2] When Thomas Pennant inherited the estate, he described the house as being "incapable of being improved into a magnitude exceeding the revenue of the family."^[3]

Location

The former Downing Hall Estate is only a short distance from the A55 and its excellent transport links in the direction of nearby Chester (only 20 minutes' drive away), the railway station at Flint is only eight miles and 15 minutes' drive away along the coastal road. Chester railway station, not much further away, also provides links across the UK.

Within the community of Holywell are numerous amenities, shops and supermarkets. Nearby Rhuddlan offers a Sainsburys, while Prestatyn's shopping centre hosts an M&S alongside various clothes shops.

Indulge in serious retail therapy in the nearby ancient city of Chester, brimming with boutique stores, bars and restaurants alongside its large Greyhound retail shopping park.

Families are perfectly positioned, with a local village primary school Ysgol Y Llan in Whitford, high schools in the surrounding towns and a number of excellent independent schools including the co-educational Myddelton College in Denbigh, formerly Howell's School, and the Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay.