From Hollywood to restoring 'Downton Shabby': Hear from fascinating speaker at CLA event

Tuesday, 18 November, 2025, 6pm to 8.30pm.
Kindly hosted by Rathbones at 30 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QN.

Hear the incredible story of how a film-maker swapped Hollywood for his family's derelict English ancestral home, at the final CLA London Branch evening of the year.

Hopwood DePree, a descendant of the Hopwood family of Hopwood Hall Estate in Middleton, Manchester, relocated from the USA to Rochdale in 2017 to save his ancestral home from ruin.

His efforts have gone on to make global headlines with news coverage, a memoir called Downton Shabby and growing social media platforms.

Join us for the fascinating story of how Hopwood and his team are navigating the trials and triumphs of trying to save the castle, including a High Court battle.

The running order
6pm - Registration
6.30pm - Welcome by CLA Vice President Joe Evans
6.35pm - Talk and Q&A
7.10pm - Drinks reception and canapés 
8.30pm - Finish.

The event is free to attend for London Branch members, but places must be booked in advance.

If you need any assistance with booking, please call the CLA South East office on 01264 358195 or email southeast@cla.org.uk and the team will be happy to assist.