Home at the heart of history

A Victorian house which has played a pivotal role in the history of a Staffordshire village has been put up for sale.

The Park, a four-bedroomed manor house in Cross Street, Cheslyn Hay, was home to several well-known local men including Henry Hawkins who bought the grand house for just £100 in 1878.

It has now been put on the market for £750,000 by owners Stephen Gwilt, aged 52, and his wife Elaine, aged 53.

The couple bought the house 20 years ago, and have lived there ever since, raising two children, Claire, now aged 30, and Gareth, 28.

What makes the house truly unusual is the fact the couple have managed to protect and keep many of its original features which include original fireplaces, ceilings, and even hand painted friezes.

It has a refitted kitchen as well as a lounge, dining room, library and a basement which could be used to add to the living space.

There are four double bedrooms and it also comes with gardens stretching over a third of an acre.

The Park was built in approximately 1850 by Edward Sayer who owned the Coppice Colliery. He sold the house to William Crutchley, the well-known minister who founded the Salem Church with his friend Joseph Hawkins, who later took on the Coppice Colliery. Mr Crutchley's two daughters married the sons of Joseph Hawkins, Henry and Thomas Hawkins, who became great men in the village.

Henry Hawkins bought The Park from his father-in-law in 1878 and raised his family there until his death in 1925. He was the owner of Hawkins Tiles and his family lived in the house until 1964. Roof tiles from this factory were among the last loads to leave the yard prior to its closure in 2005 and were used to make a new roof at The Park.

The Park is up for sale with Marwood Property Service in Cannock at a price of £750,000. All inquiries to Marwoods on 01543 500700.