Hopwood DePree

This is a case of making a purchase because I fell in love with a book title, even though Hopwood Hall was more tumbledown than shabby. Then I began to read Downton Shabby and didn't want to put it down. My husband grew up in the area. When DePree attends a meeting at the Rochdale Town Hall, I know where he's going; I've been there and other places to which he referred. Moreover, I felt a kinship with him. One night years ago as I looked through a few entries in the genealogy my mother had done on our family, I noticed that one of my ancestors' houses had a name. Would it come up in an internet search, I wondered? It did, and when I discovered it was now a museum in Bradford, England, I knew I had to visit-- just like DePree when he found Hopwood Hall on his internet search.

The history of the house is fascinating, with its secret rooms and passageways, and the work necessary to restore it is daunting. Yet--even though a corner of your mind may think DePree is insane to take on this task-- you desperately want him to succeed. One of the major obstacles to the restoration is vandalism. There are rumors of treasure to be found inside the house, and break-ins have been common. Smashed 17th-century windows and prised-up floorboards sickened me, but I also had to smile at the British knack for a memorable turn of phrase. (One vandal came in too close contact with the razor wire atop the fence... razor wire that the locals call "scrotum shredders".)

There are heartwarming parts to DePree's experiences, too. His learning curve as he learned British traditions and colloquialisms. The coming together of the surrounding community to help him, the friendship and invaluable advice given to him by townspeople, historic heritage groups, and the owners of similar houses. DePree's descriptions of the Victorian Christmas celebrations held in Hopwood Hall made me want to fly over and help him decorate.

All in all, Downton Shabby is an absorbing read about one DIY novice's quest to save a historic house. I hope DePree keeps us informed of his ongoing progress.… (más)

There's some interesting thought provoking stuff here, not all intended. The basic story is appealing, there are some issues. It's not a "castle", despite the title, that sort of mistake is a red flag history is secondary. Odd given DePree's goal of restoring a historical property. He has an elementary understanding of England, but we also can tell he's smarter - too cute at times. Nowhere does he discuss "landed gentry" to which the estate belongs, comprising about 1,000 estates in England sandwiched between the nobility - who had castles - and everyone else. They were sort of proto middle-class and the manor a proto McMansion with an army of servants. These estates remain controversial, not unlike slave plantations of the American south (forced labor work camps? Beautiful relics of a bygone era?), although this one has been so chopped up for use by a community college it's hard to complain. I felt a bit cheated as there is missing backstory about Hopwood, it's hard to get a handle on who he really is. So much is still unknown - will he complete the renovation, will he find a wife, what will happen to the house. I admit to being hooked in but it does feel like a hook. I wish him the best, despite the complaints it's a genuinely noble thing to restore a home, even if not a castle.… (más)

Hopwood DePree's new book, Downton Shabby: One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle, caught my eye. Having lived in an older (150 years) home for many years, I was drawn to DePree's book about his restoration - which is a little older at 600 years!
How does a Hollywood actor, producer and more end up England, restoring a ruin? It's all in the name. When he was younger, Hopwood went by his middle name. As an adult, he choose to use his given name, as it was memorable. Whilst researching on genealogical sites, he discovers a past - and the home of his ancestors - in the remains of Hopwood Hall.

I quite enjoyed being along for the trip as Hopwood makes connections, makes friends and willingly upends his whole life for Hopwood Hall. His family is just as enthusiastic. As are the supporters of the Hall, who are trying to preserve this historic building. Geoff and Bob are the two core supporters who guide and educate Hopwood on the Hall's past. Their dedication was and is admirable. Hopwood meets many others who are happy to lend a hand. It was fascinating to uncover the historical past of the Hall with Hopwood. The descriptions of the Hall - and included photographs - made me want to come and visit!

DePree is enthusiastic and able to laugh at himself. I quite enjoyed his book, but the journey isn't over. Downton Shabby (clever title) was an entertaining, easy read that kept me engaged.… (más)

On the one hand, this is an almost-unbelievable story -- Hopwood connecting to his family histories and discovering a link to a real place and great house in Britain? Being able to use his talents as a Hollywood Producer to start a multi-million dollar restoration? Welcomed into a community and into the aristocracy on the face of family connection alone? -- it feels like a fairy tale. I loved that the fairy tale feel is balanced out by hard work, disappointment, chasing a crazy dream and succeeding (at least in part? at least so far?). I was fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of the great houses and those who love them/ are in service to them. The many community members who make Hopwood's journey possible are also very compelling, and the story is a good one. I also totally love that the origin of this book is the pandemic, and the need to continuously fundraise in order to keep things moving along. On the whole, really enjoyed it, and I want to know what will happen next.

I did find myself resenting that a lot of what Hopwood is chasing is going to vault him into another range of privilege solely based on his White, British, Male heritage and his ancestors. His Hollywood lifestyle and connections don't help that feeling. Even while he rallies the community and suffers through painstaking restoration, the ultimate goal seems like life in a British Great House on the upstairs side, and it won't be all his money paying for it. I'm not in a great place right now regarding real estate, so take the sour grapes as a personal feeling and enjoy the book.

Advanced Reader's Copy Provided by Edelweiss.… (más)