The library, saloon, dining room, billiard room and room at Heaton Hall were admired by those taking advantage of the only opening this year, but it was the awesomely ornate Cupola room that took most people’s breath away.
Lloyd Gee, of Radcliffe, was a little boy the last time he visited, and was keen to introduce his partner, Hannah Smithers, to its impressive interior.
“I was especially impressed by the ornately decorated walls and ceilings in some of the rooms,” she said.
The Grade I listed building is a Neoclassical Georgian masterpiece designed by architect James Wyatt in 1772 for Sir Thomas Egerton.
Mum and daughter Tracy Meek, from Prestwich, last entered the hall in 1982, and was excited to bring daughter, Sam.
“I was very excited when I found out it was opening today,” said Tracy.
“The restoration so far, has been beautiful. They’ve done a great job. I can’t wait until they finish the orangery.”
Sam said: “I’ve always been curious and intrigued about what it’s like inside, so I was really happy to have the chance to explore.”
Typically, the hall attracts around 400 visitors on its rare open days, but Sunday saw a record 800.
“It’s the most we have ever had in a single day,” said Friends of Heaton Hall secretary, Val Dawson.
(Image: Public)
“Our volunteers have never been asked or answered so many questions. We want to thank everyone who came and for all the generous donations we have had.”
“So many adults have been saying how they had come today because they remembered visiting when they were children.”
The hall has been a popular location for television and films, including 2024’s A Gentleman in Moscow, starring Ewan McGregor, the 2022 ITV police series, Ridley, and Coronation Street.
And although Yorkshire’s Castle Howard will forever be associated with Granada TV’s landmark production of Brideshead Revisited, party scenes were filmed on the landing in Heaton Hall.
It will next make an appearance in Netflix’s forthcoming House of Guiness, starring James Norton.
The hall’s dramatic links appealed to actors Paul and Vicky Nightingale-Day, who were visiting with their sons James and Alfie.
“Its amazing,” said Vicky.
“We came on a guided tour several years ago, so its nice to see it again.”
The hall will always have a place in Kirsty Sizer’s heart, as it was the place she got married in 2009.
“I’ve got very happy memories of the place and wanted my children, Zack, and Libby, to see it.
Zack could certainly see himself living here,” she laughed.
As well as being a delight for the eyes, the hall also illuminated the minds of Neil Rodda, and his wife, Gillian.
“We love history and travel quite a bit, so it’s been interesting to learn that parts of the hall were inspired by Herculaneum and the Doge’s Place in Venice,” said Gillian, who visited as a birthday treat.
For Jamie-Leigh Godfrey and her daughters Alyssa-Leigh, 11, Jessie, nine, and Grace, five, the hall was the first stately home they have ever visited.
“It’s very interesting and big, but I wouldn’t like to live here. I can imagine it being a bit scary at night,” said Jamie-Leigh.
Grace’s favourite item in the hall was the piano in the music room, while Jessie loved the stairs.
“They are really posh, and I love the way they go off in two directions.”
