Property description

FOR LOVERS OF TRULY UNIQUE PERIOD PROPERTIES, ‘WINDY BANK’ IS A QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLE OF MEDIEVAL ENGLISH ARCHITECHTURE    -    Dating back to 1335, this alluring ancient building with a Grade 2* listing has an abundance of charm and character combined with all the comfort and luxury of modern living. In its elevated position overlooking the village of Littleborough and with lovely views across the Pennines, ‘Windy Bank’ is an inspirational and captivating home the like of which is rarely seen on the market

With i’s impressive facade of three prominent stone gables, low mullioned windows and soaring chimney stacks, ‘Windy Bank’ has a beguiling charm before you even set foot inside.


Dating back to 1335, this attractive Grade 2* listed property is one of the oldest properties in the village of Littleborough and was originally half-timbered in the traditional style of the medieval period.


With its elevated position looking over Blackstone Edge and the surrounding villages of the Pennine foothills, ‘Windy Bank’ not only has inspiring views but an intriguing architectural history that captivated the current owner, who bought the house ten years ago.


“When we first came to see ‘Windy Bank’ it left quite an impression on us” say the current owners. “We were looking for a house with period character but this more than exceeded our expectations and lived up to its prestige listed status”.

The name of the property has nothing to do with a breezy elevation. It is a corruption of the Flemish name Henry de Wyndebonks, who originally built the house.


The property is L-shaped and during it’s history it has been three dwellings with additions put on in 1611 and 1635. The entrance porch and the kitchen are Victorian extensions so there is a lot of interesting architecture under one roof.


Over the years, a whole dossier of cuttings has been gathered together by previous owners of ‘Windy Bank’ and some intriguing facts have emerged such as the reputed existence of an underground tunnel that connects the house with local hostelry ‘The Rake Inn’ located at the bottom of the garden.


When the current owners first moved into the house, they set about a programme of improvements to secure the ancient structure.

“When you buy a house as unique as this, you’re not simply the owner but the custodian of the property and we felt a strong responsibility to care for it” explains the current owner.

“The first major job was to ensure that the house was water-tight so we took the roof off and replaced it completely with old stone slabs. One of the wonderful features of the roof is the stone gargoyles and large water spouts that have the faces of cats carved into them which we cleaned up and put back in their original positions”.

“The old wooden guttering was also renewed in line with the guidelines for Grade 2* listed properties as set out out by English Heritage. Our intention was always to preserve the house in its original condition and architectural style using the best quality materials”.


Internally ‘Windy Bank’ is a substantial 4 bedroomed family home with 3,000 square feet of space comprising generously proportioned rooms, oozing character from different periods. The current owners have stayed faithful to the fibre of the building with its expansive stone flagged floor in the entrance hall and dining room, exposed oak beams and authentic plaster walls that have been painted rather than wallpapered.

“We wanted the building to really speak for itself which is why we came here in the first place” says the current owner. “Under the old plaster is the original wattle and daub which is still on view in the lofts of the house and the huge oak beams that run across the width of the house. These would have been put in when the house was turned from a large hall into a traditional house with a first floor. It’s amazing to see the craftsmanship of the joinery that has slotted these massive planks together”.

‘Windy Bank’ also has the benefit of five original fireplaces, two of which are working and burn logs gathered from the garden. The family room has the added interest of a stone lined cavity that in olden times, was used as a bread oven, heated by the fire, The occupants of the house would leave dough in the oven overnight and wake up to freshly baked bread in the morning.


 
“We wanted to retain all the essence and charm of the property while still making it conducive to our lifestyle” says the current owner. “We have tried to blend old and new throughout which we think works well and gives the house that extra feeling of comfort and practicality”.

In recent years the current owners have radically updated the kitchen to bring it in line with the highest modern standards. The high quality German fitted units combine with black granite but centre-stage is the beating heart of ‘Windy Bank’ - an industrial sized Sandyford cooking range which creates all the hot water and powers 20 radiators throughout the house.

“We wouldn’t be without the Sandyford, it’s an essential part of the running of the house” says the current owner. “It looks like an Aga and we do all our cooking on it and it also heats every room. It’s one of those things that once you have used, you just couldn’t imagine living without”.


 
With its abundance of charm and character, ‘Windy Bank’ is the perfect house for entertaining. The current owners enjoy spending time with family and friends in their Baronial style dining room with its stone Inglenook fireplace, flagged floor and beamed ceiling.

The surrounding gardens are also ideal for large family occasions. ‘Windy Bank’ has one acre of grounds comprising of mature greenery and well kept lawns on different levels all offering far reaching views across the Pennines.

Beyond the kitchen, the attractive stone patio area leads to a barrel-vaulted cellar that the current owners use for storage and as a wine cellar.

The property also benefits from two double garages, one is adjacent to the house and the other has been converted out of a detached stone barn to provide internal parking for up to four vehicles.

Due to its ancient origins that have been so carefully preserved, ‘Windy Bank’ is an exceptional home with a unique ambience that also offers all the comfort of modern living.

“We will leave the house with considerable regret” conclude the present owners, “but Windy Bank is a huge house for two people - our sons have flown the nest. The house is a wonderful family home and needs to be occupied by a family to bring it alive again.