Pictured aboved: Alton Manor
The historic former home of the late Colonel Sir Peter and Lady
Winifred Hilton goes under the hammer this week at what promises to
be one of the most eagerly anticipated sales of the year.
Bidders from across the UK are set to descend on the village of
Idridgehay, near Wirksworth on Thursday 12 May, for the sale of
Alton Manor, one of Derbyshire's finest country houses.
Derby-based auctioneers Graham Penny Auctions have been
commissioned to sell the historic property that was the former
family home of the late Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, who died in
1995 and his widow Winifred, who passed away in November 2010 at
the age of 91.
Designed by the noted architect Sir Gilbert Scott to a Jacobean
style, Alton Manor was built in 1846 in mellow ashlar stone. The
house retains many original details and comes to the market for the
first time in more than 50 years.
The property is steeped in heritage and has played host to
Royalty, with the Queen lunching there when she opened Carsington
Reservoir and Sir Peter was Lord Lieutenant of the county.
The Grade II Listed manor house boasts 14 bedrooms and is set in
26 acres of stunning parkland with a large lake, which is
understood to be stocked with trout. The property also features a
formal walled garden with yew maze and an ice house, which is
original to the house, along with a brew house, courtyard with
coach houses, stabling and separate Lodge House.
Of particular interest to local historians will be the two day
sale of furniture from the Hilton dynasty, which is taking place
from 10.30am on Thursday 12 May and throughout the day on Friday 13
May. The property itself will be auctioned at 4.30pm on Thursday 12
May.
Alton Manor is set to be the biggest and most expensive property
ever auctioned by Graham Penny and has already attracted huge
interest from a number of buyers from across the country,
particularly London and the Home Counties.
Almost 100 viewings have taken place over recent weeks,
including one interested bidder who arrived at the property via
helicopter.
Whilst the guide price for the property is a modest £1
million, it is expected that it will exceed this total
significantly.
Commenting on the auction of Alton Manor, Graham Penny said:
"The sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of
Derbyshire's finest country houses in an estate setting that is
equal to the property and with a pedigree to match.
"I am delighted to have the honour of handling its sale at
auction and expect it to achieve a significant sale price."
Graham Penny Auctions acts for both private individuals and
institutions selling a wide range of interests, from vacant houses
and investment properties to building plots and development sites,
commercial properties, land and others.