16th-century English manor house goes on the market

Osbaldeston Hall, near Blackburn in Lancashire, dates back to 1593 and sits on approximately 17 acres of land, including woodland, pasture, landscaped gardens and access to the River Ribble.

According to the listing by Carter Jonas, the asking price was reduced by £250,000 in July, from £3 million to its current level.

The property’s history is closely associated with the Osbaldeston family, while local legend holds that King Oswald is said to have established his seat in the area around 760 and entrusted the family with overseeing the surrounding lands.

The present manor house was built by John Osbaldeston, who, following his travels across Europe, commissioned an Italian craftsman to construct parts of the residence.

Among the features attributed to this period is the fireplace in the principal bedroom, which, according to Carter Jonas, was the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom at the time.

The family’s financial decline towards the end of the 17th century led to Osbaldeston Hall being converted into a farmhouse. Over the following decades, the building fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned.

During the Second World War, the property’s lead roof was also removed.

Almost 80 Years of Restoration

The restoration effort began in 1946 and continued for nearly eight decades. The current owners have undertaken extensive renovation works, combining the property’s historic features with modern amenities.

The residence offers approximately 7,000 square feet of living space, equivalent to around 650 sq. m. The accommodation includes a contemporary kitchen with underfloor heating, a wood-panelled television room, a formal sitting room with a wood-burning stove, a bar and a dedicated entertainment area.

The manor has a total of six bedrooms, along with a separate study.