Denzell House
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and Italianate
| Denzell House | |
|---|---|
 Denzell House in 2009 | |
  Location within Greater Manchester | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Jacobean, Gothic, and Italianate |
| Location | Dunham Road, Bowdon, Greater Manchester, England |
| Coordinates | 53°22′57″N 2°22′18″W / 53.38250°N 2.37177°W |
| Year built | 1874 |
| Client | Robert Scott |
| Design and construction | |
| Architects | Clegg & Knowles |
Listed Building – Grade II* | |
| Official name | Denzell House |
| Designated | 12 July 1985 |
| Reference no. | 1067925 |
Denzell House is a Grade II* listed building on Dunham Road in Bowdon, a suburb of Altrincham, in the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. Historically in Cheshire, it is noted for its Victorian architecture and historical significance. Originally built in 1874 as a private residence for textile magnate Robert Scott, the house later served as a Whitsuntide school in 1938, a wartime maternity home, and a post-war health facility before being sold in 1989 and converted into offices.
Denzell House was built in 1874 for Robert Scott, a businessman associated with the textile firm Tootal Broadhurst Lee.[1] Scott purchased 10 acres (4 ha) of land from the seventh Earl of Stamford for £7,075 and commissioned Manchester architects Clegg & Knowles to design the property.[2] The house cost approximately £18,000 to build, with a further £12,000 for fittings. It was intended for Scott's son, Henry, who died before occupying it.[2]
After Scott's death in 1904, the property was acquired by Samuel Lamb, a shipper. During Lamb's ownership, the gardens were developed with glasshouses that accommodated peaches, orchids, and vines. These greenhouses remained in use until the mid-1970s, when they were used to grow plants for local parks and flowers for civic events.[2]
Following Lamb's death in 1936, his children gifted the house to Bowdon Urban District Council in memory of their parents.[3]
Over the years, Denzell House served a variety of roles. In 1938 it was used as a Whitsuntide weekend school, providing educational and recreational activities during the holiday period.[2] During the Second World War, the house became an annexe to Altrincham General Hospital, functioning as a maternity home to support the increased demand for healthcare services during wartime.[4] In the post-war years, Denzell House continued to be used by the health authority until 1989, when it was sold on a long lease and converted into offices.[1]
On 12 July 1985, Denzell House was designated a Grade II* listed building for its architectural and historic significance.[3]
The entrance gates, lodge, clock tower, and the archway to the stable yard were demolished at an unknown date.[3]
Today, Denzell House remains a prominent heritage building within Denzell Gardens, a public park that preserves part of the original estate.[5] The house is primarily used for office space.[4]
