// BBC ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS — MODA & SOCIETÀ
US film-maker loses 'Downton Shabby' High Court case
Hopwood DePree published a book called Downton Shabby in 2022 about his efforts to restore Hopwood Hall in Middleton
An American man has lost his legal bid to take ownership of a historic mansion for £1.
Hopwood DePree, who claims ancestral links to the Grade II-listed Hopwood Hall in Middleton, Rochdale, said he was "incredibly disappointed" after a judge at the High Court in Manchester ruled against him.
DePree, an actor and filmmaker, argued a 2017 agreement with Rochdale Council gave him the option to buy the manor house after securing planning permission to restore and redevelop it.
However, Judge David Hodge KC found the conditions required for ownership of the property to transfer had not been met.
Despite its current state, Hopwood Hall was described as being in the top 10% of most important listed buildings in England, the court heard.
DePree's plans included a wedding venue, hotel accommodation and visitor attractions aimed at bringing the hall back to life.
However, Rochdale Council decided in 2022 not to transfer ownership of the hall to DePree and later locked him and a group of volunteers out of the site.
The court heard the legal costs were about £150,000, with the council expected to seek an order requiring DePree to pay them.
DePree got planning permission in 2022 to refurbish the hall as an event and hospitality venue