Hopwood DePree – The American Actor Who Gave Up Hollywood for a £13 Million Restoration of His Family’s Ancestral Home, Hopwood Hall

In recent news, Hopwood DePree, the American actor turned heritage enthusiast, finds himself at the center of a dramatic and bittersweet chapter in his life. His dream of restoring Hopwood Hall, a centuries-old family estate in Greater Manchester, England, has hit a major setback. After investing over £500,000 of his own money and dedicating seven years to the project, DePree has been locked out of the historic 15th-century manor by the building’s owners and the local council. His ambitious £13 million plan to transform the hall into a cultural hub may now be shattered, but his story is far from over.

DePree, who left his film career behind in Hollywood to return to his ancestral roots, initially dreamed of reclaiming his family’s heritage. His connection to Hopwood Hall, located in Middleton, traces back over 400 years, and the actor hoped to restore the building to its former glory while preserving his family’s history. But a dispute over delays and lack of progress has led to his eviction from the restoration project. Despite this, DePree remains undeterred, vowing to continue his efforts to save the historic estate.

Summary of Hopwood DePree

Key Takeaways

• Hopwood DePree, an American actor and filmmaker, left Hollywood to restore his ancestral home, Hopwood Hall, in Greater Manchester, England.
• He spent over £500,000 and seven years working on the project, hoping to restore the historic 15th-century manor into a cultural and community space.
• DePree’s restoration efforts have been met with setbacks, including eviction from the project site by the owners and Rochdale council.
• His family lineage is tied to the hall, and he has documented his journey in his memoir, "Downton Shabby."
• DePree’s dedication to preserving his family’s heritage continues, despite the challenges he faces in restoring Hopwood Hall.

Hopwood DePree – From Hollywood to Heritage Conservation

Born in February 1970, Hopwood DePree is not just an actor but also a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. His career in Hollywood saw him direct and star in films such as Rhinoskin: The Making of a Movie Star (1995) and The Last Big Attraction (1999). However, after a successful career in the entertainment industry, DePree made the life-changing decision to leave the glitz and glamour of Hollywood behind. His new mission was to restore Hopwood Hall, his family’s ancestral home in Middleton, Lancashire.

The actor discovered his connection to the hall in his adulthood, after growing up in Michigan. As a child, he was fascinated by stories his grandfather told him about their English roots. DePree’s journey to uncover his family’s history led him back to the UK, where he began researching the history of Hopwood Hall. His ancestors had once lived there, and DePree was determined to restore the manor to its former grandeur.

Hopwood DePree and the Restoration of Hopwood Hall

Hopwood Hall is a stunning Grade II*-listed building with a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Over the centuries, the estate had fallen into disrepair, and by the time DePree took on the project, it had been vacant for decades. The actor’s ambitious restoration project was driven not only by a desire to preserve the building’s history but also by his emotional connection to the place.

DePree began working on the hall in 2017, spending a significant amount of money to repair its crumbling walls and restore the estate. His ultimate goal was to transform Hopwood Hall into a community arts center, a space where people could experience the beauty and history of the place. He also documented the entire restoration journey in his memoir Downton Shabby, which was published in June 2022. The book chronicles his struggles and triumphs throughout the restoration process, shedding light on the challenges of preserving a building of such historical significance.

Key Setbacks and Controversy

Unfortunately, not all aspects of the project went smoothly. DePree faced criticism for delays in the restoration process, and the project’s owners ultimately decided that he had not made sufficient progress. In late November 2024, he was informed that he had been locked out of the property, and the gates of Hopwood Hall were padlocked. This decision was met with frustration from DePree, who had invested not only his money but his heart and soul into the project.

Despite the setbacks, DePree remains committed to completing the restoration of Hopwood Hall. He has claimed that he still has the necessary funding to finish the work and is determined to continue his mission of preserving the estate.

Hopwood DePree’s Family Legacy and Connection to Hopwood Hall

DePree’s ties to Hopwood Hall go far beyond the restoration project. His family lineage dates back to the Hopwood family, who were prominent figures in the area for generations. His maternal grandfather, Herbert Hopwood Black, was connected to the Hopwood family through his roots in Hopwood, Pennsylvania. DePree’s familial connection to the hall is a source of pride, and he has often spoken about how learning about his ancestors inspired him to take on the restoration project.

DePree’s dedication to his family’s heritage is evident in his efforts to preserve the hall. Hopwood Hall represents not just a physical building, but a legacy that stretches back over 400 years. The hall itself has witnessed centuries of history, and DePree’s goal has always been to honor that legacy while making the space relevant for future generations.

Hopwood DePree’s Net Worth

While DePree’s financial worth is not publicly disclosed, his investments in the restoration of Hopwood Hall, combined with his career in Hollywood, suggest that he has a significant net worth. He has poured over £500,000 into the project thus far and has plans for a £13 million restoration. In addition to his work as an actor and filmmaker, DePree has also engaged in philanthropic efforts, co-founding the Waterfront Film Festival in Michigan. His diverse career and passion for heritage conservation contribute to his financial standing.

Hopwood DePree’s Family and Personal Life

Details about DePree’s personal life remain relatively private. As of 2024, there is no publicly available information about whether he is married or has a partner. His focus has largely been on the restoration of Hopwood Hall and preserving his family’s history. DePree has not shared much about his current marital status or family life, keeping his personal affairs out of the public eye.

However, his commitment to the restoration project and his connection to his ancestors are central to his identity. DePree’s work on Hopwood Hall is a tribute to both his family and the generations who lived there before him.

Hopwood DePree – A Vision for the Future

Despite the recent challenges, Hopwood DePree’s vision for Hopwood Hall remains intact. He continues to believe in the importance of preserving historical landmarks like Hopwood Hall for future generations. His passion for both heritage conservation and community development drives his ongoing commitment to the project.

Whether he can overcome the hurdles and complete the restoration of the hall remains to be seen, but his dedication to the cause is undeniable. The story of Hopwood DePree and Hopwood Hall is one of perseverance, family pride, and a deep love for history.

FAQ

Who is Hopwood DePree?
Hopwood DePree is an American actor and filmmaker known for his efforts to restore his family’s ancestral home, Hopwood Hall, located in Middleton, Greater Manchester, England. He is also the author of the memoir Downton Shabby.

What is Hopwood Hall?
Hopwood Hall is a 600-year-old manor house in Middleton, Greater Manchester. It is the ancestral home of Hopwood DePree’s family, and he has been working on restoring the estate to its former glory.

Why did Hopwood DePree leave Hollywood?
DePree left Hollywood to reconnect with his family’s heritage and restore Hopwood Hall, a project he had been passionate about for years. He wanted to preserve the history of the hall and transform it into a community space.

What happened to the Hopwood Hall restoration project?
In late November 2024, DePree was locked out of the property after facing delays and criticism for the slow progress of the restoration. The project’s owners and the local council decided that he would no longer be allowed to continue the work.

Is Hopwood DePree married?
There is no publicly available information about Hopwood DePree’s marital status as of 2024.

What is Hopwood DePree’s net worth?
DePree’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed, but he has made significant investments in the restoration of Hopwood Hall, including over £500,000.