Ponden Hall: A Historic English House with Literary Connections
If you’re looking to acquire an English house with literary connections, Ponden Hall, the 17th-century property that is said to have inspired Wuthering Heights, is for sale. Located in the wild and windy moors just outside Stanbury near Haworth in West Yorkshire, the Brontë sisters made regular visits to the historic house in the 19th century, and it is now a popular guesthouse.
This 5000-square-foot detached property sits in extensive grounds of approximately four acres, offering panoramic views over Ponden Reservoir and the open countryside. The east end of the property dates back to 1541, while the main house was constructed in 1634. Moreover, the former free-standing Peat Loft at the west end of the house, which dates back to 1680, was joined to the main house in the major renovation of 1801.
Ponden Hall’s library became a significant resource for the Brontë sisters, their brother Branwell, and father Patrick. The house is widely accepted to have inspired the interiors of both Emily Brontë’s novel, Wuthering Heights, and Anne Brontë’s book, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Additionally, it features nine bedrooms and has been lovingly renovated over 20 years by its present owners, who operate it as a bed and breakfast.
The current main guest bedroom includes a tiny single-paned window. This window is said to have inspired Emily Brontë’s depiction of Cathy’s ghost in Wuthering Heights, clawing at the glass, desperate to get in where the novel’s narrator Lockwood was sleeping. Moreover, the Peat Loft is believed to be the refuge for Anne, Emily, and Branwell during a mudslide catastrophe caused by a thunderstorm in 1824.
The new buyer can enjoy the pleasure of relaxing in the formal walled gardens, which include various beautiful seating areas along with mature trees and shrubs. Additionally, there is a separate large walled garden with lawn and borders, accessible from the lane, and a private courtyard area from the kitchen. Furthermore, the Brontë Parsonage Museum is located in the nearby village of Haworth, attracting literary enthusiasts to the area.
Ponden Hall is for sale for £1m ($1.28m), with further information available here and here.
This article was first published on March 11, 2019, and updated on October 7, 2020.
