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Hopwood DePree, a former US filmmaker, has initiated legal action against Rochdale Borough Council in the High Court to acquire control over Hopwood Hall in Middleton, Greater Manchester. DePree has been leading efforts to preserve the historic property since 2017 and asserts that he adhered to an agreement with the council that granted him the opportunity to purchase the stately home.
The disagreement arose when the council alleged that DePree failed to meet the conditions outlined in the agreement, leading to his expulsion in November 2024. In response, DePree, who chronicled his restoration work in a book titled Downton Shabby, is now seeking official ownership of Hopwood Hall through legal means. The property holds a significant familial connection for DePree, as he discovered its existence while researching his family history.
Despite encountering challenges with the decaying structure, DePree relocated to the UK to oversee the restoration project and invested £750,000 of his personal funds into the initiative. The situation took a turn for the worse in 2024 when relations deteriorated due to increased involvement from the council’s Rochdale Development Agency. This prompted DePree to pursue legal action, citing the council’s conduct as “evasive, misleading, and at times shocking.”
Council representatives have refrained from commenting on ongoing legal proceedings but previously emphasized the necessity of a viable business model to ensure the long-term sustainability of Hopwood Hall. DePree’s legal team disputes the council’s claims and argues that he has fulfilled his obligations under the agreement. Despite facing setbacks, DePree remains committed to salvaging the historic property and is determined to see the restoration project through to completion
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