HIGHFIELD HOUSE – Highfield’s history – destroyed by storm and brought back to life

Before Highfield House came into being, the site it would occupy belonged to North End Windmill – a large tower mill used for milling corn.

It was a leading example of modern technology at the time, thanks in part to the steam-driven equipment inside.

Following a freak storm in 1860, the mill was destroyed and the site was put up for sale.
It was bought by Henry Angus, a prosperous local draper, in 1864.

He engaged the services of Manchester architects firm Paull and Aycliffe to build him a new villa residence which became known as Mill Field House.

Following Henry Angus’ retirement, Mill Field House was sold to Harrison Holt, the son of another draper from Hull, in 1882.

Holt commissioned Victorian architect Temple Moore, well-known for his Gothic revival churches, to help renovate and extend the property.

He gave it the black and white cladding, which was inspired by the design of Holt’s wife’s ancestral home in Cheshire called Highfields.

The new Highfield House, as it then became known, was more than just a recreation of Highfields at Audlem in Cheshire.

This Highfield House also boasted fashionable influences from the Aesthetic Movement and the Queen Anne Revival.

It was the very height of Victorian architectural taste at the time.

The renovation of Highfield has been a real family affair. Andy and Lindsey Lampard have been able to let their creative juices run wild and put their stamp on each of the rooms.

Using their flair for design, they have remained sensitive to Highfield’s Victorian roots uncovering and enhancing original features from plaster mouldings and panelling.

They have dressed the rooms with antique and specialist furniture, collections of artwork from favourite galleries and collectibles from their travels from all over the world.

Andy’s parents Phyllis and Stan have played a huge role in the transformation.

A former textiles teacher, Phyllis has lovingly created the fabrics and upholstery in the rooms, while Stan, a former biology teacher and botanist, is in charge of the beautiful gardens, which provide the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs.

The renovation has involved a team of dedicated and loyal contractors who have shared the Lampard’s passion for ensuring the quality of workmanship is of the highest standard.