Contracts exchanged on Grade II-listed Lancashire mansion

Neurological care charity Sue Ryder has announced that it has exchanged contracts on Cuerden Hall – five miles south of Preston – to Manchester businessman Colin Shenton, who intends to restore it as a family home.

Cuerden Hall is a historic, Grade II-listed countryside mansion situated in the Cuerden Valley in Chorley, Lancashire.

Built in 1717 and extended in the 1820s, it comprises 179 rooms over 75,000 sq ft and sits in 16 acres of gardens and grounds.

It was formerly occupied by Sue Ryder Neurological Care Home and operated as a neurological care centre. The charity has now vacated the hall, and has moved to a state-of-the-art neurological care centre in Fulwood, Preston.

The hall will now be subject to a full restoration, led by world-renowned heritage specialist architect Purcell – which will put the property back to its original use as a private stately home, fit for the 21st century.

The stately home’s new owner, Colin Shenton, has more than 30 years’ experience in restoring heritage buildings, with a portfolio of more than 15 similar projects and additional interests within property, farming and hospitality.

Colin said: “Cuerden Hall is one of the most important heritage assets in Lancashire.

“It is a weighty responsibility to take on such a restoration – the costs may exceed £15m, but with such a highly-experienced team, led by Purcell, I am confident we will restore the building to the highest standards.

“Cuerden Hall will make a magnificent family home, as was its original purpose – and by no commercial activity whatsoever taking place there, the house will remain in excellent condition for very many years to come.”

The hall was put on the market last year with a guide price of £1.5m.