Clitheroe Road, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire, PR3

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Acquire an Historic Estate Extending to Approximately 50 Acres in the Ribble Valley

Description

Dutton Manor comprises a distinguished Grade II listed Victorian manor, lodges and outbuildings set in approximately 50 acres of Grounds and Woodland. Offering over 22,500 sq ft of accommodation in total, the property offers incredible potential, perfectly balancing striking architectural grandeur with a harmonious setting on wooded slopes overlooking the fells.

The sale represents an unparalleled chance to acquire a grand historic home in the Ribble Valley with extensive grounds, period character, and exceptional versatility. Its size, setting, and heritage make it a truly rare offering, promising a unique lifestyle opportunity for the discerning purchaser seeking a prestigious country estate.

Dutton Manor
Dutton Manor was originally built as a shooting lodge for the Fenton family within their wider estate, acquired in 1831. The property, as it stands today, was constructed in 1872 by Isaac Taylor. Having remained with the current family since 1972—following an interlude when it served as a convent and seminary—the manor is now offered to the market for the first time in over 50 years. This rare availability presents a truly exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a substantial historic home and grounds in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

The house itself offers remarkably versatile accommodation across three floors, with 15 bedrooms on the upper levels, several featuring exquisite carved wooden or marble fireplaces and original marble wash basins. Throughout the property, many period features remain beautifully preserved: grand wood panelled reception halls, an elegant oak staircase, ornate fireplaces—including a remarkable Grinling Gibbons-style carved surround—and original stone mullion windows that speak to the manor’s rich heritage. The flooring includes fine chequered oak and parquet finishes, with some tiled areas dating from its mid-20th century institutional use.

A standout architectural feature is the round tower with a spiral staircase, providing access to a self-contained apartment potential on the first floor, including what was once the chapel—an impressive room offering an extraordinary opportunity for conversion into a magnificent reception space. The staircase continues to a third-floor tower room, boasting breath-taking views and an air of historic charm.

While the house retains considerable original splendour, it now offers an exciting prospect for modernisation, with kitchens, bathrooms, and decorative elements ready to be sympathetically refreshed to suit contemporary family living.

Garden and Grounds
Approached via a half-mile long driveway through mature woodland, the estate extends to approximately 50 acres, predominantly broadleaf amenity woodland, interspersed with the picturesque Duddel Brook. The formal gardens immediately surrounding the house feature manicured lawns—once likely a croquet or tennis lawn—framed by vibrant herbaceous borders, rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, and other specimen trees that reflect the property’s historic cultivation. A Grade II listed stone gateway and wall enclose what was formerly the kitchen garden, now a charming pinetum.
This expansive and varied landscape offers a unique blend of privacy, natural beauty, and potential for outdoor pursuits—making it a rare gem within the Ribble Valley, renowned for its scenic countryside and sought-after lifestyle.

Outbuildings and Additional Accommodation
The estate includes several additional properties and outbuildings that provide versatility and additional income potential:
• The Lodge: A charming two-bedroom residence at the driveway entrance, currently let but available with vacant possession, ideal as staff accommodation or a holiday let.
• The Bothy: A quaint one-bedroom cottage with kitchenette and bathroom, located near the main house, sharing services with the estate.
• The Coach House: Formerly stabling and chauffeur’s accommodation, this substantial building has been partially converted into a residential unit comprising two reception rooms, kitchen, three bedrooms, and further reception room with Juliet balcony. Adjoining garage facilities offer further potential subject to consents.

Additional workshops, sheds, log stores, and coal bunkers extend the estate’s practical outbuildings to approximately 1,850 sq ft, complementing the three cellar areas within the main house.

Location

Dutton Manor is located in a rural position whilst still retaining excellent road links within a short distance. Surrounded by open fields and countryside views, the property is situated close (3miles) to Ribchester, which is home to three churches, the Roman museum, a good primary school, three pubs, two cafes, a local shop with Post office and other eateries and shops. Clitheroe is the nearest busy market town and also home to Clitheroe Castle. Good local secondary schools are found in Longridge, Clitheroe, Preston and Blackburn, and lying just 2 miles away is Stonyhurst college, in the picturesque village of Hurst Green. To the north lies the pretty village of Chipping, on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, itself home to many villages with a host of country pubs and hotels.

There is easy road access to the M6, M61, M65 and M66 motorways, and also public transport links to local villages, nearby towns (Preston, Blackburn, Clitheroe, Garstang) and further afield (Lancaster, Manchester, Liverpool).

There are golf courses at Longridge (18 holes), Whalley (9 holes), Clitheroe (18 holes), and Stonyhurst (9 holes), while the immediate area offers some of the best countryside walks and cycling roads in the UK right on the doorstep. Alternatively, Gisburn Forest has specially designed mountain bike paths suitable for riders of all skill levels. The Ribble Valley is a great place to run, with lots of trails and peaceful road options. There are also nearby bridlepaths for the keen horse-rider.

The important archaeological discoveries from Ribchester's rich Roman past are on show in Ribchester village's museum. Local eateries include the village’s three pubs, Potters Barn and Stydd Gardens. Slightly further afield, the Woodland Spa at Crow Wood and Stanley House Hotel and Spa both offer relaxation and a luxurious environment for an overnight stay.

Square Footage: 13,885 sq ft



Additional Info

Council Tax Band H

General Remarks
County Council: Lancashire
District: Ribble Valley (District Authority)
Parish: Dutton

Listing

This building is listed as Grade II under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.

Services
Private water supply from a reservoir situated on the neighbouring estate. This is not in perpetuity and will remain in place for one year, meaning the new owners will be required to install their own water supply.
Heating is via oil fired central heating. There is mains electricity and private drainage to a septic tank and soakaway.

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