Own a part of a World Heritage Site Legally



Did you know that it is perfectly possible, and perfectly legal, for you to own a part of a World Heritage Site

The small Derbyshire village of Cromford is in the heart of The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, which within the Derbyshire Peak District in the east Midlands of England.

Richard Arkwright was an 18th century mill owner who was exceptionally enlightened for his day. He was born in Manchester and, after serving his apprenticeship as a barber, became a highly skilled barber and wigmaker.

But Arkwright had a strong interest in engineering and mechanics and turned his mind to the problem of making cotton. With business partners and investors he began working on ways of improving the process by which cotton thread could be spun.

After perfecting the process he decided to build a mill in the small Derbyshire village of Cromford. Unlike most mill owners, Arkwright was a caring and highly compassionate employer. He decided that he would build proper, sturdy homes for his workers, along with shops, schools and meeting places.

In fact, the buildings that he erected are so sturdy that most of them still stand today and the houses that he built for his employees in Cromford are grade 2 listed buildings. They are a testament to his foresight, compassion and business acumen.

From time-to-time these delightful properties come on the market, so it is perfectly possible to buy a piece of English history.

One person selling such a home at 95, The Street, Cromford is former RAF Avionics engineer David Bufton.

Mr Bufton said: "I am not really keen on selling this house as I have lived here very happily for several decades but circumstances dictate that, after my retirement, I need to leave the area to live in the county of my birth, Shropshire, which is on the other side of the Midlands. It will be something of a wrench to leave, but I would prefer to see it go to someone who really appreciates the history behind the houses and of Cromford itself, and how important they are in the history of not only Derbyshire but in the history of the British Industrial Revolution, and in the relationship between employer and employee."

The house (which is three storeys in height and has two bedrooms plus a further study) is on offer at 154,950, which, to own a tastefully modernised house which is acknowledged as being an important part of World Heritage, does not seem very much to ask.

To arrange a viewing you can email Dave Bufton at e-mail protected from spam bots.

Photographs available digitally. Please email e-mail protected from spam bots





Own a part of a World Heritage Site Legally