Where is this location?

[imarlb]

The attached photo was probably taken in the summer of 1940. The smallest boy in the photo had been evacuated from Manchester to the village of Ipstones. The other family members were able to visit now and again. This historic house was probably near to Ipstones or somewhere between Leek and Manchester - certainly had to be accessible by bus.

Can anyone help identifying the location?

Thanks, Irene

[sugarbakers]

It looks like Sharpcliffe Hall, Ipstones.

http://publicaccess.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/portal/servlets/AttachmentShowServlet?ImageName=213627
(Scroll through to pictures P2 & P4)

Your picture is the rear of the building.

[Treetotal]

I think you have found it SB :

https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/local-news/sharpcliffe-hall--hidden-view-2355798

Carol

[imarlb]

Fantastic. That's lovely. I would never have been able to identify this house. It takes local knowledge to do so. Thanks so much. Could you please tell me if the photo below is taken at the same property or somewhere else - likely still nearby.

Again, thanks a bunch,
Irene

[Treetotal]

I would say this was somewhere on a day out, maybe to some gardens, or a country estate.
Carol

[brionne]

Sharpcliffe was taken over by the Red Cross Society in 1939 for use as a hospital.Staffed by the Leek Detachment of the Red Cross.
June 1946 bought by the Youth Hostel Association.
Reference from, Stoke on Trent Live. website.

[imarlb]

Lovely information. Thanks so much. It's still difficult to think why they were there. They were obviously visiting the farm in Ipstones where their youngest members were evacuated to. So the big house would be right nearby. But it wasn't public property then so perhaps the grounds were open to the public or perhaps they were visiting someone in the hospital. Maybe the local villagers worked and/or volunteered at the hospital and so had access to the grounds. Who knows - after all this time. But it's very nice to know where they were and it makes absolute sense that they did not have to travel far to be there.
Thanks again.

[ChrissieL]

I was wondering if the gardens were Alton Towers. Although it is a theme park now, the original gardens were open to the public. I can remember going there in the late 1950s when it was just gardens...and not very far from Ipstones

Chris

[imarlb]

I remember going to Alton Towers when it was just gardens too. That's a long time ago! But I think the location has been solved. I'm sure it's Sharpcliffe Hall in Ipstones though what the occasion was is still a puzzle.

Thanks, Irene.