Calder Valley's most grisly home for sale - see inside Georgian house of horrors

You could own your very own house of horrors as Todmorden’s most grisly home is up for sale.

The vicarage where the town’s infamous double murder took place is now on the market.

The Grade II listed Christ Church Vicarage is currently on the market with Face2Face estate agents for £485,000.

The four-bedroom Georgian property has been the home of Nigel and Collette Taylor for the last decade and the couple are hoping that a young family with children will fall in love with the house in the same way they did.

Despite the vicarage’s villainous past, the Taylors say the house has been a very happy home for them.

Collette said: “Christ Church Vicarage is a little piece of history. We are very attached to the place, and we’re sorry to be leaving, but it’s got too big for us.

“People have said that they’ve spotted the face of a young woman in the vicarage window but potential buyers need not worry - if it had been haunted I would have run a thousand miles by now.”

History

Built in 1824, Christ Church Vicarage still has its original decorative coving, pane sash windows with folding shutters and high ceilings.

In 1868 the Reverend Anthony John Plow and his housemaid Sarah Bell were murdered by 23-year-old local weaver Miles Weatherill.

The killer, armed with four pistols and a hatchet, enjoyed a drink in the Black Swan village pub before taking revenge on the clergyman after he forbade Weatherill to court his domestic servant Jane Smith.

Sarah was struck down by the thwarted suitor because she’d told the vicar of Weatherill and Jane’s trysts. Less than a month later Weatherill was one of the last prisoners to be hanged in public outside New Bailey Prison, Manchester.

Jonathan Swire, managing director of Face2Face estate agents, said: “This is a beautiful detached house full of original features and oozing with history and heritage.“It’s got a fascinating story attached to it which will always be a talking point for whomever owns it.”

Property details

The property is set in over quarter acre of beautiful gardens with a gated entrance.

On the ground floor there is a large and welcoming entrance hall, two reception rooms and a large dining room.

There is also a fully fitted kitchen, utility room and a WC.

Heading up the grand staircase there are three large double bedrooms and a single bedroom which is currently being used as a study.

The family bathroom is also on this floor.

Outside there is a courtyard area, a double garage and ample space for parking.

The property also benefits from a storage cellar which has a vaulted ceiling and stone flag flooring.

DETAILS

ADDRESS: Burnley Road, Todmorden

PRICE: £485,000

AGENTS: www.face2faceestateagents.co.uk