For over 25 years, Wordsworth Homes have been building properties
of distinction. Every mansion we build is individual, designed just
for its exclusive location.
From conception to completion, each mansion is personally overseen
by Martin Hulme, Wordsworth Homes’ acclaimed founder. Drawing
on his design expertise, Martin works in partnership with you,
developing the mansion to your every desire.
Built by our craftsmen, with time and care, our mansions combine
exquisite natural materials with state-of-the-art technology.
Each becomes a home that truly lives up to the opulence and luxury
that the description ‘modern day mansion’ demands.
Homes for people who want that
little bit more...
Go back 2,000 years and the original mansions were at highly strategic
places on the most important roads. Location, it seems, was as important
to building a Romanmansio as it is paramount today. More recent
times have seen the mansions of the 16th century
transformed into the grand seats of all entertainment: the palazzos
of Italy and the country houses of England. Both types of mansions,
both dedicated to pleasure and leisure.
So what defines a modern day mansion? Can one even exist? Ask Martin
Hulme ofWordsworth Homes and the answer is a resounding “Yes”.
“Most estate agents would agree that a ‘mansion’
is a home of over 7,000 square feet – that’s the generally
accepted definition. But the word carries much more meaning. It
speaks of luxury and leisure, sumptuous living and opulence,”
saysMartin as he explains his working definition.
And Martin should know because over the last five years his company,
Wordsworth Homes, have been behind three of the most spectacular
new mansions in Cheshire.
First there came RydalMount, on Elmsway. Set in extensive south-facing
gardens at the end of a no-through road, this is certainly a mansion
with the right location. It nestles right in the heart of Hale Barns,
the most prestigious of addresses.
And at over 10,000 square feet, it far exceeds the qualification
limit for the mansion. Indeed, in 12 years of working in property,
this is the biggest newly built home I have seen. It is, quite simply,
vast.
Its size does not, however, overwhelm. The architecture, drawing
heavily on the grand country homes of the Arts and Crafts architects,
softens the scale of the home. The grandeur of the mansion is made
friendly by the vernacular. Here we find a porch “like the
arms we open to receive our friends” as the great architect
Voysey said: the warmth of the style making the mansion approachable.
The quality and detailing of the stonework set in the rendered walls
echo both the Arts and Crafts style and the luxury expected of a
mansion. Beyond the scale, it is the time and care, the materials
and the craftsmanship, that have been put into the construction
of this home that sing out as special.
Inside and the reinvention of the mansion continues. The grand library
of 19th century homes is replaced by the spectacular multimedia
room: after all, no home could be a modern day mansion without a
home cinema. The details change, but the theme is constant through
the centuries.Mansions should have everything you need for an easy,
leisurely life. The traditional opulence is maintained – from
the handcrafted staircase to the simply extravagant bathroom in
the master suite, this is a home of no compromise. But the smart
wiring is a long way from tradition – incorporating the latest
domotics, the cutting edge of technology.
“We use the latest technology to make living in our mansions
easy. From the communication room housing the central computer to
the SieMatic kitchen packed with the latest appliances, it really
is in best traditions of mansions. Using the best materials and
technology to ensure luxury,” says Martin.
Like RydalMount, modern preferences are catered for with smart wiring,
a multimedia room and the capacious kitchen. At 952 sq foot, this
room is larger than most modern apartments. The master suite is
spectacular, again easily spacious enough to contain its own sitting
area. Throughout the four storeys, from the elegant drawing room
to the games room, the lavish specification exceeds all expectations.
In size, in location, in luxury, this truly is a modern day mansion.
And so to 89 Carrwood, the latest mansion byWordsworth Homes which
is due to be completed this summer. Extending to around 9,000 square
feet and sitting on Carrwood in Hale Barns, it easily qualifies
as a mansion on size and location.
Inside it becomes obvious that it will qualify on opulence and luxury
as well. As you enter the hallway, the impressive handcrafted staircase
stands in front of you, with the hallway sweeping off to either
side. To your left is the formal dining room: with its square
bay windows and fireplace, it is the epitome of elegance. In a symmetrical
arrangement, the study mirrors the dining room on the right.With
its large dual aspect windows, it is flooded with light all day.
Behind the dining roomand utility roomis the breakfast room/kitchen
– the heart of the family home. Over 27 feet square, this
capacious roomis suffused in natural light fromthe wall of windows
and French doors that overlook the rear garden. The luxurious
SieMatic kitchen fromthe design house at our Wordsworth showroom
in Hale incorporates the highest specification appliances into sleek,modern
lines to give a roomof true distinction. Next door the formal drawing
roomalso overlooks the rear garden: with its inglenook fireplace
it exudes warmth and welcome.
On the lower ground floor lie the home cinema and games room, continuing
the tradition of leisure pursuits being accommodated within the
mansion. Perhaps less leisurely, but equally essential, are the
gymnasium, shower room and laundry areas also on this floor. Four
of the six bedrooms, each en-suite, are on the first floor. The
spectacular master bedroom suite incorporates a luxuriously spacious
bedroom, a dressing room, an en-suite bathroom and a separate en-suite
shower room. His and hers en-suites: the height of luxury. The second
floor comprises two very spacious bedrooms and a bathroom. Set into
the high eaves, the ceilings of these rooms make these charming
spaces.
The specification of this home, from the limestone floors to the
stone fireplaces, the oak staircase to the Axia bath is the height
of opulence. This really is a modern day mansion: matching the luxury
and quality of a palazzo or country house of the past.
AsMartin concludes: “We build very individual homes for people
who want that little bit more. Only building in the best locations,
the size of these homes is a given. But what is special is what
we do with them.
“We combine the latest technological innovations with a traditional
use of natural, handcrafted materials to give homes of an exceptional
quality. Because each of our mansions has to truly live up to the
name.”
