Darwen's Grade II listed Priory House on market for £625,000

Priory House on Bury Fold Lane in Darwen was put on the market last night, by Proctors estate agents - the first time the property has been up for sale in more than 20 years.

Set on the edge of the West Pennine Moors with views of the countryside, Priory House is a unique property with plenty of history.

Priory House (Image: Agency)

Dating back to 1675, (although records suggests it is earlier than this, perhaps the early 1500s) Priory House once formed part of Bury Fold Farm, and later Bury Fold House, but was then split into two properties in the mid 1900s, and was first listed in July 1978. 

There remains a priest's hole in the middle of the property dating back to when the farm was first built, and records suggest that this was used as a hiding place when the property became a secret meeting house for worship during the reformation.

According to heritage documents, these type of gatherings were raided by King Henry VIII's men to prevent anyone from not confirming to his newly created Church of England. 

It is unsure when the property became know as Priory House, but it is thought this name is a nod to it's religious history. 

Priory House has been renovated and restored over the last two decades, and combines historical highlights with modern luxuries.

Taking care to respect its heritage whilst providing contemporary living, Priory House is brimming with original features such as stone mullioned windows, stone sills, exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings and a full width imposing inglenook fireplace with a large log burner.

The property is up for private sale for £625,000, and comprises of an entrance hall, lounge with inglenook fireplace, wood burning stove and stone hearth.

The kitchen has a farmhouse style design with black granite worktops, which then opens through to a sun room and the property also has a downstairs utility room.

Priory House (Image: Agency)

There are four double bedrooms, one containing a double height vaulted ceiling, and externally there are generous gardens to the front, side and rear of the property, with the front having a York stone and cobbled driveway providing ample parking.

Viewings are being arranged by Proctors estate agents in Darwen.

To access the property turn onto Bury Fold Lane and then take the track to Bury Fold Cottage on the left-hand side, and Priory House is set back at the far end.