Decorations: “Hazelgreen” College Road Whalley Range (no date)

The house appears to have been built about 1855 for Richard Smith, merchant, previously of Plymouth Grove, and his wife Ann. He died about 1865; his widow, Ann, about 1879. Attempts to sell the house commenced in 1881 and continued until 1885. The advertisement, with minor variations, appeared in the Manchester Guardian at intervals over a number of years as follows:

HAZELGREEN WHALLEY RANGE – On Sale by Private Contract with possession, this capital Family Residence, situate in Whalley Range, having frontages to College and Dudley Roads, the property of the executors of the late Mrs Smith, which is substantially built of stone, and the site thereof contains 13,664 square yards. It comprises vestibule, hall, inner hall, dining, drawing and morning rooms, library, billiard room, with numerous bedrooms, dressing rooms, servants’ hall and other needful offices. There is a conservatory, entered from the reception rooms, greenhouse, complete stabling etc. It is in perfect repair. The decorations were done by Mr Crace of Wigmore Street London. The pleasure grounds are nicely disposed, well shrubbed and planted, including lawn, croquer ground and kitchen garden. The property on all sides is bounded by good walls…. Apply J R Bridgford and Sons, 30 Cross Street Manchester. [Manchester Guardian 23 April 1883 page 10]