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Downton Shabby: One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle
HGTV meets Downton Abbey! A ready-for-TV story--with charm and humor in abundance--about a Los Angeles producer who moves to England to save his ancestral castle from ruin.
Hollywood producer Hopwood DePree had been told as a boy that an ancestor--who he was named for--had left his family's English castle in the 1700s to come to America. One night after some wine and a visit to Ancestry dot com, Hopwood discovered a photograph of a magnificent English estate with a familiar name: Hopwood Hall, a 60-room, 600-year-old grand manor on 5,000 acres. And with that, Hopwood DePree's life took an almost fairytale turn.
Hopwood Hall, in northwest England, was indeed his family's ancestral home. It had been occupied continuously by the Hopwood family for five centuries until the last remaining male heirs were killed in World War I. Since then, the Hall had fallen gradually into disrepair and was close to collapse. When Hopwood visited, he discovered trees growing in the chimneys, holes in the roof, and water sluicing down walls. It would take many millions to save the Hall--millions that Hopwood certainly didn't have--but despite the fact that he lived in Los Angeles and had no construction skills, Hopwood DePree came to a conclusion: He would save Hopwood Hall.
Downton Shabby--the name Hopwood coined for the glorious ruin--traces Hopwood DePree's adventures as he gives up his life in Hollywood and moves permanently to England to save Hopwood Hall from ruin. But the task is far too big for one person, of course. Hopwood discovers that the Hall comes with an unforgettable cast of new neighbors he can call on for help--from the electrician whose mum had fond memories of working at the Hall to gruff caretaker Bob, and the local aristocrats who (sort of) come to accept Hopwood as one of their own. Together, as they navigate the trials and triumphs of trying to save an actual castle, Hopwood finds himself ever further from the security of his old life, but comes to realize that, actually, he's never been closer to home.
Hollywood producer Hopwood DePree had been told as a boy that an ancestor--who he was named for--had left his family's English castle in the 1700s to come to America. One night after some wine and a visit to Ancestry dot com, Hopwood discovered a photograph of a magnificent English estate with a familiar name: Hopwood Hall, a 60-room, 600-year-old grand manor on 5,000 acres. And with that, Hopwood DePree's life took an almost fairytale turn.
Hopwood Hall, in northwest England, was indeed his family's ancestral home. It had been occupied continuously by the Hopwood family for five centuries until the last remaining male heirs were killed in World War I. Since then, the Hall had fallen gradually into disrepair and was close to collapse. When Hopwood visited, he discovered trees growing in the chimneys, holes in the roof, and water sluicing down walls. It would take many millions to save the Hall--millions that Hopwood certainly didn't have--but despite the fact that he lived in Los Angeles and had no construction skills, Hopwood DePree came to a conclusion: He would save Hopwood Hall.
Downton Shabby--the name Hopwood coined for the glorious ruin--traces Hopwood DePree's adventures as he gives up his life in Hollywood and moves permanently to England to save Hopwood Hall from ruin. But the task is far too big for one person, of course. Hopwood discovers that the Hall comes with an unforgettable cast of new neighbors he can call on for help--from the electrician whose mum had fond memories of working at the Hall to gruff caretaker Bob, and the local aristocrats who (sort of) come to accept Hopwood as one of their own. Together, as they navigate the trials and triumphs of trying to save an actual castle, Hopwood finds himself ever further from the security of his old life, but comes to realize that, actually, he's never been closer to home.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 2022
About the author
Hopwood DePree
1 book54 followersHopwood DePree grew up in Holland, Michigan, where one of his neighbors once said "he wasn't that great of a kid."
As a young adult, he fled for the bright lights of L.A. where he successfully landed a job in front of a restaurant as a dancing chicken. The next day he was fired for not being “enthusiastic enough”.
He managed to graduate from the University of Southern California, beginning his career as an actor and independent filmmaker with his first film, “Rhinoskin” – a comedic documentary that followed his hapless adventures attempting to break into the entertainment industry. Having charged up $20,000 on his credit cards to make the film, he crossed his fingers and hoped for the best. Fortunately, he found critical success on the film festival circuit and went on to write, produce and act in independent and studio film & television productions, often having the lucky opportunity of being able to, incredibly and fortuitously, work alongside Emmy & Academy Award winning and nominated artists. Hopwood has performed stand-up comedy at notable venues in both LA and the UK including The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where only a few people walked out (they later said they had food poisoning). Hopwood continues to write and produce content and has been filming his journey of the rescue of Hopwood Hall Estate to share with those following him on YouTube, Patreon and across his other social media outlets (hint hint – this is a shameless subconscious plug to follow along if you like).
As a young adult, he fled for the bright lights of L.A. where he successfully landed a job in front of a restaurant as a dancing chicken. The next day he was fired for not being “enthusiastic enough”.
He managed to graduate from the University of Southern California, beginning his career as an actor and independent filmmaker with his first film, “Rhinoskin” – a comedic documentary that followed his hapless adventures attempting to break into the entertainment industry. Having charged up $20,000 on his credit cards to make the film, he crossed his fingers and hoped for the best. Fortunately, he found critical success on the film festival circuit and went on to write, produce and act in independent and studio film & television productions, often having the lucky opportunity of being able to, incredibly and fortuitously, work alongside Emmy & Academy Award winning and nominated artists. Hopwood has performed stand-up comedy at notable venues in both LA and the UK including The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where only a few people walked out (they later said they had food poisoning). Hopwood continues to write and produce content and has been filming his journey of the rescue of Hopwood Hall Estate to share with those following him on YouTube, Patreon and across his other social media outlets (hint hint – this is a shameless subconscious plug to follow along if you like).
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January 16, 2022Imagine actually telling people that you're DIY-ing the family castle this summer.
April 3, 2022
This is an easy and entertaining read by an engaging and candid fellow. Have your computer or phone handy so you can Google some of the manor houses he mentions and also follow his journey in rehabbing Hopwood Hall. And also be prepared to check your ancestors to see if by chance you have an estate house in your family history!
Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital reading copy. The digital copy also included a few photos, a rarity in advance editions.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital reading copy. The digital copy also included a few photos, a rarity in advance editions.
March 23, 2023
A genuinely uplifting book about finding out where you came from and ultimately returning back to your roots.
Hopwood Hall had set derelict for many years, until one of the descendants, who had discovered his connection to the house via internet sleuthing, decided to go visit it in person with his family. There they wandered the rooms that you could still go in without harming yourself from falling debris, and started to seep in the rich history of this crumbling English pile.
Hopwood DePree decides to help out in any way he can to preserve and restore what's left of his family's legacy. What follows is a humorous, daunting, and inspirational look at his decision to reclaim the house for his family and restore it to its former glory.
Recommended.
Hopwood Hall had set derelict for many years, until one of the descendants, who had discovered his connection to the house via internet sleuthing, decided to go visit it in person with his family. There they wandered the rooms that you could still go in without harming yourself from falling debris, and started to seep in the rich history of this crumbling English pile.
Hopwood DePree decides to help out in any way he can to preserve and restore what's left of his family's legacy. What follows is a humorous, daunting, and inspirational look at his decision to reclaim the house for his family and restore it to its former glory.
Recommended.
February 21, 2022
✅Ex-pat memoir
✅England
✅Historic Hall (home) renovation
✅Ancient murder
✅Ghost story
I read the first 21 chapters in one sitting. I just could not put it down. I relished following Hopwood through the highs, lows and all of the in-between. It was touching that the locals were so kind and supportive. There is an amazing community there, and they accepted him as one of their own. By the end, I felt like I knew Bob and Geoff personally and wanted to have a brew with them too!
I was quite surprised that the not only the locals but also the members of Historic Houses were so welcoming. He was instantly rubbing shoulders with English Aristocrats, and they weren't snooty at all. They appreciated the work he was doing to preserve history. As envious as their lives may seem, what they do to keep their ancestral homes standing is quite daunting, a real job.
I didn’t want this book to end. It’s the ultimate cozy, feel-good read, and it’s actually a true story! I hope he’s already begun writing a sequel. I want to hear more about the progress on the Hall as well as any potential updates on children to slide down the bannisters!
One suggestion: although you can donate to The Hopwood Foundation, it’s a bit buried with the Hopwood site. Hopwood, you should add a donate page to the website menu as well as a donate button to the home page before publication, so it is more accessible. I have donated and I am sure many other readers will want to as well.
I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review. Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow!
✅England
✅Historic Hall (home) renovation
✅Ancient murder
✅Ghost story
I read the first 21 chapters in one sitting. I just could not put it down. I relished following Hopwood through the highs, lows and all of the in-between. It was touching that the locals were so kind and supportive. There is an amazing community there, and they accepted him as one of their own. By the end, I felt like I knew Bob and Geoff personally and wanted to have a brew with them too!
I was quite surprised that the not only the locals but also the members of Historic Houses were so welcoming. He was instantly rubbing shoulders with English Aristocrats, and they weren't snooty at all. They appreciated the work he was doing to preserve history. As envious as their lives may seem, what they do to keep their ancestral homes standing is quite daunting, a real job.
I didn’t want this book to end. It’s the ultimate cozy, feel-good read, and it’s actually a true story! I hope he’s already begun writing a sequel. I want to hear more about the progress on the Hall as well as any potential updates on children to slide down the bannisters!
One suggestion: although you can donate to The Hopwood Foundation, it’s a bit buried with the Hopwood site. Hopwood, you should add a donate page to the website menu as well as a donate button to the home page before publication, so it is more accessible. I have donated and I am sure many other readers will want to as well.
I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review. Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow!
July 10, 2022
As someone who grew up near Hopwood Hall (but no longer live there), I found the whole book really fascinating. I’m so pleased that someone has taken on the mission of renovating the hall, it’s such a great thing for Middleton. You can tell how much Hopwood cares about the project and it’s lovely to hear how he’s inspired the local community to get involved. I really wish they’d make a tv series to document the project, like Grand Designs- I’d be so interested to see more.
July 18, 2022
I wanted to like this book, and, I guess I did not hate it in the end. I just learned very little from it. This is written for people who are completely unfamiliar with the UK, and will presumably get a kick out of learning about minor cultural differences like how Brits refer to 'sweaters' as 'jumpers' etc. It's mostly about a Hollywood transplant who goes through a midlife crisis, discovers he has a genealogical connection to a historic British manor and then somehow manages to get involved in the restoration, moving to Northern England and meeting some locals along the way.
It is definitely not about actually renovating a historic manor, as there's virtually no detail on that. There are just references to problems like dry rot and then sometimes mentions of things getting fixed, but with no explanation in between. I don't expect a DIY manual for obvious reasons, but it is kind of weird to write a book on the topic and then gloss over a lot of the actual work.
On that note, I'm also really, really surprised at how much help the author had. It seems he was embraced by British aristocracy and the local government almost immediately. I hate to use the word 'privileged' but you have to wonder what would have happened if someone other than a good-looking 6'2 rich guy with film industry connections had taken this project on. (I doubt, for instance, they would have ended up hanging out at Harry Styles's dad's mansion during the pandemic, as described in the epilogue, for instance).
It is definitely not about actually renovating a historic manor, as there's virtually no detail on that. There are just references to problems like dry rot and then sometimes mentions of things getting fixed, but with no explanation in between. I don't expect a DIY manual for obvious reasons, but it is kind of weird to write a book on the topic and then gloss over a lot of the actual work.
On that note, I'm also really, really surprised at how much help the author had. It seems he was embraced by British aristocracy and the local government almost immediately. I hate to use the word 'privileged' but you have to wonder what would have happened if someone other than a good-looking 6'2 rich guy with film industry connections had taken this project on. (I doubt, for instance, they would have ended up hanging out at Harry Styles's dad's mansion during the pandemic, as described in the epilogue, for instance).
July 16, 2022
This book comically lacks substance in every way—while the cover and title might make you think the writer has used their own hands to completely restore this massive house, the reality is that is mostly coordinating volunteers and skilled workers who are doing the work while making lots of “gee whiz!” “can you believe this?!” Style comments from the sidelines. By the end of the book they have restored approximately 1% of the house and the writer admits that this book was mostly a way, encouraged by his Hollywood agent, to stay busy and keep himself relevant during the pandemic. (Insert eye roll here, one of approximately 5,000 times I had a similar reaction while reading this book.)
The story begins, like many parts of this book, with our writer enjoying a glass of wine in front of his computer. As part of a white guy midlife mortality quest he has been researching his ancestry and discovers that the mythical “castle” and family estate his grandfather always told him about is actually a real place. A few emails later he’s in touch with a couple people who have been desperately trying to keep the house from becoming a rubbish pile. And not too long after that his family is tacking on a side trip to visit during a planned vacation to France to scatter his father’s ashes. This begins a multi year odyssey into discovering his family history and old stories about the house and meeting people in the community who care deeply about working to try to save the estate that once powered the entire community.
This is all fine, and the history of the house is quite interesting but it’s all tinged with this strange commentary of: can you believe there are buildings that are this old?? Wow there are so many lords and ladies and royals and poets who used to visit these old houses! Can you believe my ancestors has so many causes and did so much work to try to make their community better?? No one in LA knows everything about history unless it’s to sell a movie!
And then there’s the personal commentary…sigh. Much of the book is spent with the author recreating dialogue during which he believes himself to have made witty commentary about England or old houses or British vs. LA culture. Endless pages of information about his regular Starbucks order (sugar free skinny iced vanilla latte) and how shocking it is he can’t get it anymore and instead drinks plain tea or coffee! A running joke about how shockingly hard it is to get sleeping pills in the UK and what’s he supposed to do if stress is making it hard for him to sleep?! We hear about the fading of his spray tan, how his friends would be shocked that he wears (gasp) t-shirts and work pants at the job site, how he’s completely befuddled by British words like “boot” and “jumper”, and how no one there thinks twice about eating bread (empty calories! Can you imagine??). I never felt myself laughing along with him because he just never made himself feel relatable. I felt more like I was reading his story because he felt a compulsion to monetize his life experience during some professional down time.
I could go on, but I probably don’t need to spend any more time dissecting this book. One bright spot: Bob, the master historical restoration specialist who is the long-time estate caretaker who is just a gem of a human.
The story begins, like many parts of this book, with our writer enjoying a glass of wine in front of his computer. As part of a white guy midlife mortality quest he has been researching his ancestry and discovers that the mythical “castle” and family estate his grandfather always told him about is actually a real place. A few emails later he’s in touch with a couple people who have been desperately trying to keep the house from becoming a rubbish pile. And not too long after that his family is tacking on a side trip to visit during a planned vacation to France to scatter his father’s ashes. This begins a multi year odyssey into discovering his family history and old stories about the house and meeting people in the community who care deeply about working to try to save the estate that once powered the entire community.
This is all fine, and the history of the house is quite interesting but it’s all tinged with this strange commentary of: can you believe there are buildings that are this old?? Wow there are so many lords and ladies and royals and poets who used to visit these old houses! Can you believe my ancestors has so many causes and did so much work to try to make their community better?? No one in LA knows everything about history unless it’s to sell a movie!
And then there’s the personal commentary…sigh. Much of the book is spent with the author recreating dialogue during which he believes himself to have made witty commentary about England or old houses or British vs. LA culture. Endless pages of information about his regular Starbucks order (sugar free skinny iced vanilla latte) and how shocking it is he can’t get it anymore and instead drinks plain tea or coffee! A running joke about how shockingly hard it is to get sleeping pills in the UK and what’s he supposed to do if stress is making it hard for him to sleep?! We hear about the fading of his spray tan, how his friends would be shocked that he wears (gasp) t-shirts and work pants at the job site, how he’s completely befuddled by British words like “boot” and “jumper”, and how no one there thinks twice about eating bread (empty calories! Can you imagine??). I never felt myself laughing along with him because he just never made himself feel relatable. I felt more like I was reading his story because he felt a compulsion to monetize his life experience during some professional down time.
I could go on, but I probably don’t need to spend any more time dissecting this book. One bright spot: Bob, the master historical restoration specialist who is the long-time estate caretaker who is just a gem of a human.
July 23, 2022
I suspect his fish out of water-ness (a car has a boot! A lift! The first floor is the second floor? Getting in a car on the “wrong” side…) might be endearing to some, but a middle aged man who already doesn’t know these things, I figured I wouldn’t enjoy a whole book of this. Especially when he keeps mentioning Hollywood and LA.
DNF.
DNF.
June 23, 2022
OMG, this book was great! Bravo to Hopwood for what he is doing. I think I might have to make a trip to Middleton once the Hall is finished. I actually didn't want the book to end and hope that there are sequels to keep us up on the progress. Thoroughly enjoyable and well-written.
July 28, 2022
What a fascinating and inspiring account of one man’s partnership with the local community to rescue his ancestral home in Middleton from falling into complete disrepair. I loved hearing about the history of Hopwood Hall, as well as the relationships forged through a mutual desire to see history preserved for future generations.
August 11, 2022
Charming, funny at times, and definitely read like a TV script. But why, Hopwood, why would you leave LA for rainy England? And why put so much effort into a seemingly insurmountable project? I have to admire Hopwood’s determination!
February 14, 2022
This was fun. A Hollywood producer finds out that he is the sole surviving family member of a 600 year old mansion in England. Sounds like a bad B-movie, but it really happened. I enjoyed reading the author's adventures in procuring and restoring the decrepit property. I followed his adventures online, and it really added to the story. Would make a great television series.
May 11, 2022
This was such a fun read! I loved the title's play on "Downton Abbey," as well as the author's sense of humor throughout the book. He keeps the reader engaged, makes the topic (whether history, obscure battles, or home renos) accessible and understandable, and makes me want to learn more--about him and about the estate!
I've traveled throughout Great Britain over the years, and so enjoyed conjuring up mental images of the location and cast of characters. The read was particularly relevant as I'm in the market to buy my first house; not that I'm able to procure a castle, lol, but it was sure fun to think about as I read!
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I've traveled throughout Great Britain over the years, and so enjoyed conjuring up mental images of the location and cast of characters. The read was particularly relevant as I'm in the market to buy my first house; not that I'm able to procure a castle, lol, but it was sure fun to think about as I read!
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 1, 2023
This was a rough read for me. The writing was not great, often spiraling into cheesy/corny. The book focuses very little on the actual process of restoring/renovating, which is confusing considering how the book is titled/described/depicted on the cover--it is more interested in recreating a nonfictional version of a fish-out-of-water story, which I didn't care for especially because of how heavily it leaned on those kinds of narrative tropes. I came to this book looking to hear more about the process of fixing up an old manor and instead got a self-mythologizing hero story. Bummer.
July 14, 2022
This was fun! I was delighted to travel through a funny book.
January 29, 2024
trigger warning
When in an ancestry-research rabbithole, Hopwood Depree found out that the castle his grandfather liked to talk about was a real thing, and that it still stands - more or less. He dediced to travel there, take a peek, and found himself unable to leave.
When all this starts, Hopwood Depree is a random LA person trying to do his thing, always having multiple projects in the works at once. Single and well-off enough to having bought a house with money he earned.
The ending of the book finds him in charge of an immense restauration project, but unable to work because 2020 happened, so he wrote this book.
I am a fan of tales of different cultures clashing together, so I enjoyed reading how Hopwood was there on a certain november night, when suddenly fireworks he did not expect went off and all of his local friends were not answering their phones to tell him what's up.
And for me, it works: When closing this window I will look up how Hopwood Hall has been doing in the meantime. Great book for a random library find, would recommend.
When in an ancestry-research rabbithole, Hopwood Depree found out that the castle his grandfather liked to talk about was a real thing, and that it still stands - more or less. He dediced to travel there, take a peek, and found himself unable to leave.
When all this starts, Hopwood Depree is a random LA person trying to do his thing, always having multiple projects in the works at once. Single and well-off enough to having bought a house with money he earned.
The ending of the book finds him in charge of an immense restauration project, but unable to work because 2020 happened, so he wrote this book.
I am a fan of tales of different cultures clashing together, so I enjoyed reading how Hopwood was there on a certain november night, when suddenly fireworks he did not expect went off and all of his local friends were not answering their phones to tell him what's up.
And for me, it works: When closing this window I will look up how Hopwood Hall has been doing in the meantime. Great book for a random library find, would recommend.
May 26, 2022
Hopwood DePree's new book, Downton Shabby: One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle, caught my eye. Having lived in an older (150 years) home for many years, I was drawn to DePree's book about his restoration - which is a little older at 600 years!
How does a Hollywood actor, producer and more end up England, restoring a ruin? It's all in the name. When he was younger, Hopwood went by his middle name. As an adult, he choose to use his given name, as it was memorable. Whilst researching on genealogical sites, he discovers a past - and the home of his ancestors - in the remains of Hopwood Hall.
I quite enjoyed being along for the trip as Hopwood makes connections, makes friends and willingly upends his whole life for Hopwood Hall. His family is just as enthusiastic. As are the supporters of the Hall, who are trying to preserve this historic building. Geoff and Bob are the two core supporters who guide and educate Hopwood on the Hall's past. Their dedication was and is admirable. Hopwood meets many others who are happy to lend a hand. It was fascinating to uncover the historical past of the Hall with Hopwood. The descriptions of the Hall - and included photographs - made me want to come and visit!
DePree is enthusiastic and able to laugh at himself. I quite enjoyed his book, but the journey isn't over. Downton Shabby (clever title) was an entertaining, easy read that kept me engaged.
How does a Hollywood actor, producer and more end up England, restoring a ruin? It's all in the name. When he was younger, Hopwood went by his middle name. As an adult, he choose to use his given name, as it was memorable. Whilst researching on genealogical sites, he discovers a past - and the home of his ancestors - in the remains of Hopwood Hall.
I quite enjoyed being along for the trip as Hopwood makes connections, makes friends and willingly upends his whole life for Hopwood Hall. His family is just as enthusiastic. As are the supporters of the Hall, who are trying to preserve this historic building. Geoff and Bob are the two core supporters who guide and educate Hopwood on the Hall's past. Their dedication was and is admirable. Hopwood meets many others who are happy to lend a hand. It was fascinating to uncover the historical past of the Hall with Hopwood. The descriptions of the Hall - and included photographs - made me want to come and visit!
DePree is enthusiastic and able to laugh at himself. I quite enjoyed his book, but the journey isn't over. Downton Shabby (clever title) was an entertaining, easy read that kept me engaged.
August 11, 2022
2022 bk 232. What a wonderful book. Many people go through life looking for the legacy they want to leave behind. Most times it is elusive or perhaps to be found in their children's accomplishments. Rarely does one individual do something that brings people together to build a legacy for a community. DePree does a wonderful job of telling the story of a building, a family, the past, the present, and a vision for the future - and I hope that in years to come he is able to write a sequel to this book. His tale is told so clearly that I frequently felt as if I were standing on the sidelines yelling "Go For It!" or "By Degrees, remember By Degrees" (You have to read the book). Terrific tale that I am sure to read again. My sister wanted to borrow it - but I'm making her buy her own to help support the repair project.
May 22, 2023
It all started years ago, watching a crazy man named Bruno attempting to renovate an old stone cottage. We escaped to the chateau with Angel and Dick. We now watch a delightful Ukrainian couple work on their Belgium farmhouse. There's also a newlywed couple in Scotland fixing up their own ancient stone cottage. And then, we found Hopwood DePree.
Hopwood grew up hating the name he shared with his grandfather, but he loved listening to the wild tales he told, all about how they had a castle in England named after them. Eventually he went to Hollywood and found a career making films...until he found out that his grandfather's wild tales weren't so wild after all. There was a large estate in England called Hopwood Hall, a place that needed him as much as he needed it.
This is a delightful book, much more informative than the quick, amusing YouTube videos Hopwood puts up about the ups and downs of renovating the huge mansion. I really enjoyed reading about the people and events he's briefly chronicled on YouTube. A very fun read!
Hopwood grew up hating the name he shared with his grandfather, but he loved listening to the wild tales he told, all about how they had a castle in England named after them. Eventually he went to Hollywood and found a career making films...until he found out that his grandfather's wild tales weren't so wild after all. There was a large estate in England called Hopwood Hall, a place that needed him as much as he needed it.
This is a delightful book, much more informative than the quick, amusing YouTube videos Hopwood puts up about the ups and downs of renovating the huge mansion. I really enjoyed reading about the people and events he's briefly chronicled on YouTube. A very fun read!
June 24, 2022
This was an upbeat true story about a guy discovering a massive country manor built in the 1400's in northern UK of his family ancestors, the Hopwoods. Having been abandoned and ransacked for decades, In a moment of madness, he decides he's going to save it and this is his journey which is both amusing, interesting, and sometimes, not surprisingly, tedious. Nice adventure as well as a cautionary tale for anyone who has ever had the fantasy that they might like to restore an old castle.
August 24, 2022
This was a very interesting book! DePree has a great way of writing that just pulls you in to his story. The story of him renovating the castle is more than just the story of the renovation. It also involves a fish out of water story, a story about finding a new passion, and a story about changing directions in midlife. I highly recommend this story that really invites you to follow your passions and go for your dreams!
June 27, 2023
Uproot your entire life to take on the restoration of a long forgotten family castle in England? Sure, why not?! That's exactly what Hopwood Depree did in this interesting auto-biographical account of the joys and challenges of connecting with family history. The ending felt rushed with little speculation of what's yet to come for Hopwood Hall. I'm left wondering what the plan is once it's completed. What will the Hall become to support itself and the surrounding community?
July 28, 2022
A nice easy read about an American who discovers his ancestors once owned a castle In Great Britain. So he finds it and decides he is going to rebuild it! Quite the project! He meets the real people of Downton Abbey and others in the historical society and with the help and encouragement of the locals he learns how to and what a project he has taken on. You can follow him on YouTube and other social media sites. An encouraging true tale and you will end up cheering him on and maybe even contributing to the Hopwell English Estate.
August 10, 2022
The chance to go see the old English estate turns into a life changing experience for Hopwood DePree, and along the way he discovers it is not at all like he expected. This is no American style flip, it is a commitment that extends beyond his lifespan. There is a bit of the "this side of the green baize door" sentimentality, but that is the way the stories of grand old estates are generally told.
September 18, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable story of the restoration of Hopwood Hall by one of the American descendants of the Hopwood family. The story is an interesting one and, despite the slightly exaggerated American vs British differences, the author is passionate about saving this old mansion house not far from Manchester. Through difficulties with funding, vandals and COVID, Hopwood DePree puts enormous amounts of energy into this project. A lovely read.
April 14, 2023
A delightful and funny read about an American Hollywood-type getting in touch with his family's roots and with an entirely different world. It did NOT make me want to get into historical home restoration myself, but I was happy to go along for the ride vicariously.
June 6, 2022
Hopwood DePree accidentally discovers the ancestral "castle" his grandfather used to tell him about actually exists in northern England, and since he and his family were making a trip to France, he decided they should hop across the Channel to check it out. Hopwood Hall, as it is known, has been around for centuries, but the last members of the Hopwood family moved out in the early 1920s. The hall was used for uniform manufacturing during WWII and later by monks, but had been empty since the 1990s and the target for thieves and vandals, which had left the hall in a bad state of disrepair that was getting worse with every rainstorm. Hopwood becomes enthralled by the history of the hall and of the town council's attempts to keep it from crumbling into rubble. He makes the tough decision to leave his life as a Hollywood producer behind and help spearhead a concerted effort to save Hopwood Hall.
This book is a quick and satisfying read. I enjoyed Hopwood's journey both to save the hall and to find more meaning and purpose in his life. The village is full of interesting people who help or hinder Hopwood's efforts. Learning about the history of the hall itself and what it takes to save and restore such a grand structure was fascinating...plus, what a catchy title! I hope to make it over the pond someday to see Hopwood Hall in person.
This book is a quick and satisfying read. I enjoyed Hopwood's journey both to save the hall and to find more meaning and purpose in his life. The village is full of interesting people who help or hinder Hopwood's efforts. Learning about the history of the hall itself and what it takes to save and restore such a grand structure was fascinating...plus, what a catchy title! I hope to make it over the pond someday to see Hopwood Hall in person.
March 3, 2023
A Hollywood producer discovers that his family’s dilapidated English estate has fallen into intense disrepair and becomes personally involved in its rescue. True story.
July 16, 2022
Somewhat interesting story of an American TV worker's connection to a disintegrating family hall, and his commitment to renovating dilapidated Hopwood Hall. The book began to lose my interest when a couple of indistinguishable pictorial blobs were identified as ghosts.
January 2, 2023
A lighthearted story of a Hollywood guy coming to the realization that his life is a bit too shallow -- and through a fluke of history, winds up falling in love with all thing English. Don't expect too much of this one and you'll be pleased.
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