For Sale: The English Farmhouse That May Have Inspired 'Wuthering Heights'

[demmiblue]

Emily Brontë’s sole novel, published in 1847, largely takes place in two homes in the English countryside: Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights. For centuries, literary enthusiasts around the world have speculated on the inspiration for the titular setting for this gothic-inspired tale, the remote farmhouse of the brooding Healthcliff. The architecture is described so precisely, the thinking goes, that it seems to be based more in reality than imagination. Ponden Hall, a farmhouse in West Yorkshire, England, bears a plaque above its front door that commemorates a grand renovation of the property in 1801—the same year in which Brontë’s novel begins. Given the fact that Brontë and her sisters (Charlotte and Anne, both beloved writers as well) are known to have visited the home’s library—it was then the largest private one in 19th-century Yorkshire—it has long been thought that Ponden Hall was a model for Emily’s tale. Now, nearly 500 years after it was first built, the historic house is up for sale.

The family selling the property has owned it since June 1998, and has operated it as an award-winning bed-and-breakfast since then. Steve Brown, the homeowner, says that he and his wife came across Ponden Hall by chance, and didn’t know it was for sale, or anything about its history until they saw the plaque. “We were immediately struck by the scale and its imposing presence,” he says. “[And] we bemoaned the fact that houses such as these never seem to come on to the market and continued our walk.”







https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/wuthering-heights-farmhouse-inspiration?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=atlas-page

[lunamagica]

1. I wish I could buy it!

[lilactime]

2. Fascinated by the Brontes and I'd so love to stay there.

[smirkymonkey]

3. It's beautiful!

I love the English countryside and old English homes.

[The King of Prussia]

4. I live nearby

Ponden Hall is reckoned to have inspire the building, but the actual location of "Wuthering Heights" is generally believed to be a small derelict farmhouse called "Top Withens".

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Ponden Hall is also the location for the Frances Brody novel "A Snapshot of Murder".