Abandoned Mansion's Massive Makeover: Stunning Before & After in Minutes

[@johnje4285]

Thank goodness that you discovered it and then made it your lifetime mission to restore it

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks John - it has been a true adventure!

[@Basque-Aragon]

I think you were named Hopwood for a reason - this is your destiny, looks like you are doing great and have a wonderful vision!

[@HopwoodXIV]

😀❤ Thank you!!

[@ManWhoLovesTheMary]

Yes! So great to see the full vision come to life in a well-packaged video like this. So inspired and enriched by the progress being made and the history being learned...by me. I hope one day to get to visit this place. Will feel so personal since I feel I've been part of this journey through engaging in the videos in this channel. Bless you, Hopwood! You and the future of this amazing place. Let all the hidden stories yet to be revealed bring out the best of the human spirit in all of us.

[@HopwoodXIV]

cheers Matthew! Thank you so much

[@davidhiggins4460]

Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own culture. Buildings broadcast a message and Architecture can lift or subdue the spirit.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Yes indeed David. I find it fascinating to look at all the different areas of the Hall that have evolved over the centuries and the stories they tell.

[@davidhiggins4460]

Keep up the good work Hopwood, you're inspiring others.

[@tysona23]

If you pull this off you are a miracle worker Hopwood. I'm sure you can do it if anyone can ❤

[@HopwoodXIV]

Haha thanks David! I know we will get there!!

[@jeanburgin160]

So sad it was left into disrepair. So happy you are bringing it back to life. All the best to you.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you Jean!

[@JudithMatuska]

❤❤❤❤ Hopwood, with blood, sweat and tears and all of your dreams, plus the grace of God, your vision will become reality, can't wait to see the continuous journey! Very best to you all.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you so much Judith!! 😀

[@darleneklein429]

So excited to see you again Hopwood! You have been greatly missed!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Darlene!

[@lindagilbert3726]

I love your vision for Hopwood Hall! So many opportunities for the public to be a part of it.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Linda!

[@cherylmcnair5594]

The images shown of the future Hopwood Hall and it’s prospects must be making you very pound. Thank goodness you took the initiative to revisit yours and your ancestors home.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you so much! Great to know you are watching Cheryl!! :)

[@kathsmith4924]

seeing hopwoods future digitally enhanced is exactly as its future should be 🙂 whoever put it together bravo

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!!! 😀

[@rosalynliddle1353]

Our inspiration.Great to have you at the forefront and our reason to continue with the transformation of this lovely building.Proud to be a volunteer and watching your dream become a reality.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you Ros, it is an absolute pleasure to work with you and the rest of our incredible team. We will get there!!

[@rosalynliddle1353]

​@@HopwoodXIVWe will! You give us all our determination to carry on,and we love working alongside you too.

[@GaliSinatra]

Wow, looks like Hopwood Hall will truly be magnificent again! Following the journey!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Gali! Great to have you along with us!

[@gemmaevans5928]

I genuinely cried at this video, I sobbed the day I learned you had taken over the hall and was going to restore it, I went to the college next door in the very early 2000’s and became obsessed and heartbroken with it, thank goodness you found it and had the means to save it, I can’t wait to see it finished! 😊

[@HopwoodXIV]

Oh thank you so much Gemma! What a great day it will be to have you visit when it is finished. It's inspiring to know you are along with us & cheering us on! 😀❤

[@joanmacdowell4457]

Your ancestors are smiling down on you!….. great video showing your vision & dedication!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you so much Joan!

[@oreoandoz7723]

Great to see the recreation! They should film an entire season of Bridgerton here! The conservatory will be stunning, as well. Truly a history worth restoring.

[@Tawadeb]

Yes movies and tv could bring good income

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you- that would be amazing!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Yes agreed! Manchester is nearby and has a lot of tv/film production so it would be ideal

[@Kellykittymom]

Hopwood, you & "the gang" 😄😁 have done, & are doing such a great job! I love watching the progress, & get excited when I see a new video notification. 😊

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Kelly! Great to know you're watching!!

[@Kellykittymom]

You're welcome! Always! 😁

[@margf.6773]

Hopwood, you are doing a great job, keep it up. Respect and admiration from one Michigander to another.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Marg!

[@gingerbiscuit4871]

It’s truly amazing that this beautiful home is being restored by so many wonderful people. The future plans are stunning and will make this a place to be treasured for many generations. The heritage skills are vitally important as so man of these skills are dying out. Well done to all involved.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you Ginger! 😀

[@thomashudgins996]

It’s nice to have another video showing the progress. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Thomas! More to come!

[@librarynan4610]

What a cool tool to show what Hopwood Hall will be one day.

[@HopwoodXIV]

😀

[@kathyevans2968]

What a great idea in how to let people see your long term vision, especially while putting so much work at this structural, roofing and less obvious work stage. Your ancestors would be proud of what you and your team are achieving!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks so much Kathy!! 😀

[@K_A421]

Absolutely Amazing! So excited to see it restored! Thank you for saving a beautiful Home and preserving our British history! ♥️🇬🇧👏🏼

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!! 😀🇬🇧

[@lucym6299]

Wow, Hopwood. It's fantastic seeing your vision of the future brought to life. Keep up the great work, you're getting there now. Much love xxx

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you Lucy!! 😀

[@chelsealeonardbaum23]

Thank you. Those pictures of future rooms are incredible.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Great to hear Chelsea! :)

[@smittydidit]

Wonderful what you are doing, bringing history and architectural beauty back to life! Keep up the good work!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you so much!

[@balesjo]

Hopwood: You are a true inspiration. I developed an interest in our family genealogy upon the death of my father in early 1992. I think it is so great you've been able to take your interest and move into the actual renovation of a historic English manor house that was a part of your family's history. And to be able to do it in a way that benefits the citizens of that area of Britain, generating jobs, imparting skills, providing an educational and social venue in the community. I look forward to seeing the future of Hopwood Hall through your videos.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you so much! Great to know you are watching!

[@KIG024]

You’re doing a wonderful job spearheading the rescue of such a beautiful and historic building. I always enjoy these updates!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you! Great to know you're watching!

[@davidcattin7006]

And, I imagine Hopwood gets to live there too. I have to say he has the most California hair I've ever seen! Great work in saving this beautiful place. Best wishes from Indiana!

[@venom5809]

Wow, that's a huge job, good on you for saving it and restoring it. It will be beautiful.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!

[@h3022]

So beautiful! It is wonderful to see the digitally created finished Hall.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!! 😀

[@maisiefenner]

You truly have an incredible vision for the future of Hopwood Hall ❤ I really have everything crossed for you to make it happen - it will be beautiful!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you so much Maisie!!

[@mattwucherer1540]

You’ve all come so far, Hopwood! I’ve been following for a few years and every time I see these updates it warms my heart. ❤

[@HopwoodXIV]

cheers Matt! Great to know you're along with us!

[@judithpendrous3745]

It's all looking amazing, can't wait to visit one day, Hopwood.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Judith! That would be fantastic!

[@rostallar4243]

Amazing to see your vision for the future. Absolutely stunning.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you so much! :)

[@napili00]

So many great suggestions here in the comments from your Friends and volunteers! I liked the one who put forth "glamping in the woods" adjacent to Hopwood Hall. That could be combined with a new Midsomer Murders episode, since the bodies always seem to turn up in the woods! I have another donation to the Hopwood Hall Library coming soon! Richard

[@HopwoodXIV]

Haha thanks Richard! Wow we really appreciate your continued support!!

[@rhinnbuck7766]

This whole story is so thrilling!

[@HopwoodXIV]

😀😀 Thank you! Great to know you are watching!!

[@opinionminnion]

Well done everyone 👍 Great Video.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!! 😀

[@L.Spencer]

I love dilapidated buildings, partly because they're beautiful as is, but also because I can picture them fixed up. So it's really neat to see the as is and fixed up pictures of Hopwood Hall. Would love to visit it someday. Taking us along the journey, if feels like we're a part of it, too.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you for following the journey!! 😀

[@aairsick]

Brilliant - the concept art is magic

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!!

[@j.dragon651]

I have been keeping track, good job ole chap. One of these days I have to write a song about it. I just google Earthed it and see there is a decent size college right next door named Hopwood Hall College. Good luck and may your vision come true. Keep a stiff upper lip and carry on. This brings out faith in humanity when at times it seems all hope is lost.

[@HopwoodXIV]

cheers J!

[@alibali2656]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Such vision, there really is hope for Hopwood. ❤

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Ali!

[@cat3crazy]

I hope that you succeed in the restoration.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!!

[@rebeccacaron8982]

I’m impressed with your dedication and beautiful vision for Hopwood Hall. Well done! ❤

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Rebecca!

[@ajadrew]

Love the old photos, an era that'll never return - but the house will!!

[@HopwoodXIV]

cheers Andrew!

[@Tawadeb]

I hope you can get some ancestors portraits back!! Or good artists copies!!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Yes me too!

[@LisaHopwood-e4s]

Wow I’m exhausted just looking at all your plans! Someone’s been very busy with the graphics, looks stunning 🤩 I can imagine a ‘HopFest 2026’ for local bands & some glamping in the woods, how cool would that be?! So many good ideas, keep going ❤🥰

[@HopwoodXIV]

Haha thanks so much Lisa!

[@mdunn4555]

Even though your long time subscribers have shared your vison for Hopwood Hall, this video will bring in new subscribers and donnors. I agree Hopwood, we all know you and the Friends are so busy these days however you all have been greatly miss.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!

[@Csharpflat5]

Great for you I love this. I live in USA from UK…. ❤❤❤ too much stuff gets destroyed way before it died. You have great vision ❤❤❤❤

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@tjbren576]

So many options for these types of properties! Weddings, private & corporate events, genealogy/history centers, landscape & garden design classes/shows, wildlife management for an estate, classical concerts, outdoor concerts, historic restoration workshops & classes, restaurants, music lessons, cooking classes, art & other classes of all kinds, weekend murder mysteries, B&B rooms, reciprocity programs, and a MUST for EVERY historic house is some kind of annual event - be it celebrating an unusual holiday or creating a completely new holiday or maybe the celebration of a Hopwood-person or connection birthday or anniversary. Laser shows, historic interior decorating workshops or a permeant business, T-shirt printing shop, formal Victorian dinner evenings, book readings by authors, stained glass classes or permanent workshop/gift-shop. So many options!

[@HopwoodXIV]

All fantastic suggestions TJ!!

[@sanyaomerovic1659]

Medieval re- enactment festivals, Harvest / Midsummer festivals, Christmas fair, antique or farmers market venue, …

[@karenfrymoyer5791]

I love the plans for the hall. It will be magnificent!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Karen! ❤️

[@JW-kh9bm]

Wow! What grand plans you have! Do you have a goal date for completion? Thank you for saving your ancestors's home. I am certain they are proud of you; maybe they will return and you can boast a haunted wing or something. Your videos are very well organized and professional.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks JW! The goal date depends on a lot of factors outside of our control but we are continuing to make progress so we trust that it all will come together soon. Haha yes the haunted wing may already exist!

[@FloridaClay]

Exciting vision!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Clay!

[@terrig4750]

Thank you for sharing this incredible home and journey with me I so look forward to every episode. Every part of the restoration I enjoy and the history.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Hi Terri! Great to know you are watching!! 😀

[@kaycetaylor9365]

Hopwood, this made my day!!!!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Aww that's fantastic to hear Kayce! :)

[@themainer1267]

Very much looking forward to the next update video.

[@HopwoodXIV]

@@themainer1267 Thank you!

[@vickiwood4450]

I have enjoyed watching your journey restoring this mansion. I would love ❤️ to visit this place

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Vicki! 😀

[@AmbrosiaR]

You have a beautiful vision for the place and i know you can achieve it!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@cherylwood5202]

Wonderful! Every update/video is an uplifting story. All the best as you realize this dream.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you Cheryl!!

[@paulaharris4667]

How exciting!!❤️👍🏻

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Paula!

[@BryanMecklenburg]

WOW, what a great video! I love the concept portions that help us see your vision. Thanks again for all the hard work you and your team are putting into this great project. - Bryan Mecklenburg

[@HopwoodXIV]

cheers Bryan, great to hear! We appreciate your support!!

[@the-painted-quilter]

This is so cool ❤

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!

[@nelleg152]

Can't wait to see your vision become reality ❤

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Nell!

[@Bethistrue]

🙏🙏🙏 that your progress continues at a successful rate!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you Beth!

[@Bethistrue]

@@HopwoodXIV you're welcome!

[@mynizkatz7465]

Hopwood, thank you so much for this video! I love this vision presentation. It is such a beautiful building, but I myself just couldn't picture it restored. It will be amazing! Hi from S. California, USA..😊

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you Myniz! Hello to S. California!

[@nicholasconnor2871]

Wow….Incredible!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!!

[@familylinksyou]

Just wonderful!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!

[@janiceappleby4538]

watching from Canada! Great video!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Janice! Hello to Canada! 😀

[@dortekjr9349]

Here from DenmRk me..an very old lady has had enormeus plesure by folloving jour progress at hopwood Hall.beautifull job and very interesting.keep on and let me continue by following old skills and your joy.greatings from dorte

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks so much Dorte ❤️ Great to know you are watching. Hello to Demark! 😀

[@conemadam]

You're getting close !!

[@scottie_karklin]

This video was so well done! I love seeing all the progress and hearing the future plans.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Scottie!

[@jamiemorgan4146]

🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻 Hopwood, I know that I sometimes have some fun writing to a fellow Southern Californian, but I think that your story is amazing. It’s many peoples dream to wake up one day and find that you own a very cool home in England, that your ancestors built. Seriously, do you miss SoCal? Cause I put myself in your position and think that I may miss it. Anyway, I love watching Hopwood Hall come back to life. I wish that you’d upload more updated videos weekly or at least monthly.

[@HopwoodXIV]

😀

[@jamiemorgan4146]

@@HopwoodXIV I just wrote a lot more of my thoughts. Hope you’re doing well.

[@bridgetmorse9395]

Amazing. ❤❤❤

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you Bridget! 😀

[@spookymuffin49]

What an inspiration you are and what a vision for the future, good luck on the journey! 7:58

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@I.helm2057]

Good work keep going ❤❤

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you!

[@Mina-jm6sv]

❤ Beautiful journey 🙏 love and light be with all who are laboring together in your vision of restoration to bring a burst of new life for community and future visitors

[@HopwoodXIV]

@@Mina-jm6sv Thanks Mina! 😀❤

[@annerivers190]

Congratulations! Beautiful video with an amazing goal! How exciting! Yeah Hopwood!

[@HopwoodXIV]

@@annerivers190 Thank you Anne! 😀

[@HenrikFrystykNielsen]

Hope to visit one day!

[@HopwoodXIV]

That would be amazing Henrik!

[@sarahcook5762]

Absolutely smashing this restoration hopwood!! I love this video. And the info for future plans. Hoping to make ti to the next open day ❤xx

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Sarah! 😀

[@oneforone4345]

absolutely fantastic. If this building is being restored as a community hall is think is excellent and worthwhile. The entertainment value of you videos I truly find a rarity and wow, look forward to you AI vision as reality.

[@HopwoodXIV]

@@oneforone4345 Thank you so much!

[@SarahHovley]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ So exciting!!!

[@HopwoodXIV]

😀

[@Jay555]

Wow the designs look amazing for the hall. Following your story for the last few years and you definitely had help designing them rooms 😊 Another 3 more years then 😂

[@HopwoodXIV]

haha cheers Jay

[@pNo415]

Keep going!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Patricia!

[@jonathanleonard1152]

Are the wooded areas part of the grounds? If they are, part of the estate, will there be a manager and sustainable harvest that helps pay for operations? Is there consideration for turning the current work into a documentary or an embellished story of the recent past and travails of the reconstruction? The story you tell of your grandfather’s tales of a castle is a fantasy come true.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

What you called the Oak Parlor looks like what used to be called the "Jacobean Room" in the late 70's - turn left when you go through the carriage entrance - I only remember as it was the location of a chest event when we were students.

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Trev! Great to know!

[@Tawadeb]

What about filming a Blackadder type historcal comedy at Hopwood? Could be fun. And popular. Then you have tours merch etc.

[@HopwoodXIV]

That would be amazing!

[@alisonheppell9748]

Well a movie set surely ! Bridgeton awaits surely ,,a movie about the former inhabitants too ,and many others

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Alison! Yes that would be incredible!

[@bradburyluke]

I hope the chapel will remain! I’d love to come and say Mass there - we Manchester Catholic priests would happily come along!

[@HopwoodXIV]

@@bradburyluke That would be incredible! Also if you have any suggestions on what it originally would have looked like in 1690s it would be great to hear!

[@kevin02mulder]

if its ready I come take my shuttle and see you :)

[@HopwoodXIV]

haha cheers Kevin!

[@Tawadeb]

Id like to suggest Garden Tours and picnics. Maybe even sell a Hopwood rose? Or other plants especially associated with the estate? A Teddy bears picnic for kids with an entertainer doing music and food stalls? A book The History of Hopwood Hall as a fundraiser. Develop a line of "Hopwood fudge" to sell locally and online, with the family crest if course. Ive seen some estates gave annual Fun runs and sell Tshirts etc I think if you get 2 nice rooms with bathrooms you can start hosting events You could start filming a tv series in these rooms think a clean version of Bridgerton! Of course corporate money would be best. Could you get a tenant in a room, to be paying rent? Anyway sending these ideas from New Zealand sadly too far away to volunteer The gardens look lovely and your vision is doable Can you ask floor firms to sponsor a room or hall with their product? And give credit Love the skill school. Best wishes!! 🌻🌻🌻🙏

[@HopwoodXIV]

Wow all great suggestions Debbie! Thank you so much!!

[@Tawadeb]

​@@HopwoodXIVYou're welcome!! You want to market the name and the history of Hopwood hall with products and services (I don't need to tell you that I know!)

[@RobertHumphrey-qf4bj]

Hi, Is there any chance that Wallace and Grommet could provide a guided tour of the theater? Great job, I love seeing all the success on the project!

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thank you@@RobertHumphrey-qf4bj haha that would be amazing!!

[@Django44]

Worth every penny to restore! At 6:25 what is on the fellow's shoulders?

[@HopwoodXIV]

cheers. The machine on his shoulders is a scanner that you wear and walk through the room to digitally chart it

[@cliftonknowles]

Why not open the college next store...Hopwood hall university....support the hall on college tuitions...just an idea...bed and breakfast..too..big fan...boston yankee

[@HopwoodXIV]

Haha thanks Clifton. Actually there is already a college next door in operation. A B&B type venue is a great suggestion. cheers

[@user-ii4zf5iq3t]

Was wondering what you are up to. I'm so upset today. I should be at Balmoral with Clan Strachan. There's always Dalhousie, Clan Ramsey.

[@kirashaffer]

Hi Hopwood, Greetings from Utah! I am excited for you and the community over there! I first heard your story on BYU Radio's Constant Wonder. Will you live at Hopwood Hall once it is complete?

[@HopwoodXIV]

Thanks Kira! The Hall will primarily be a venue for events & community gatherings etc but I would like to live in part of it. It will definitely need several people living onsite to watch over it and to help oversee operations

[@davidcattin7006]

At 0:32 the boy in the middle and the man to the right look like Seth Meyers!

[@avayer849]

I wonder if you found the hall or the hall found you? Well done with all you're doing.

[@HopwoodXIV]

@@avayer849 haha I like that. Thank you!

[@kerplunk8011]

Children activities would be great.

[@HopwoodXIV]

@@kerplunk8011 yes agreed! 😀

[@robertgregson9333]

can you turn some land into allotments charge rent and they will look after that bit of land?

[@minibigs5259]

Obviously you have skilled artisan's of your own. But in terms of social media maybe it's worth seeing if you can get The New Yorkshire Workshop KZbin channel over to make you something on his channel. Maybe take a field trip to the newly renovated town hall too Just some ideas. Edit: The Byron family estate was opposite the town hall, where the cenotaph is now 👍

[@HopwoodXIV]

Great suggestions. Thank you!