‘Rare and glamorous’ 1930s house in Salford given Grade II listing

A ‘rare and glamorous’ house in Salford has caught the attention of Historic England, who’ve given it a Grade II listing.

The beautiful 1930s home is in the Streamlined Moderne design, a predecessor to mid-century modern but with a lot of style similarities.

From its arched doorways and parquet floors, to its lavish wall panelling and coloured glass, the home has barely changed since it was designed.

And now, Historic England has taken steps to protect the home for future generations, advising the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that it be added to the National Heritage List for England.

Now given Grade II listed status, the home has formally been recognised for its rare design and its probable connection to renowned local architect Joseph Sunlight (yes, he of Sunlight House fame).

26 Old Hall Road in Broughton Park, Salford, was built in 1935 and is a striking example of the international Streamlined Moderne style, with a largely intact 1930s interior.

Design features include a dramatic double-height entrance hall, sweeping staircase and balconied gallery, plus wide, arched sliding doors that allow the main rooms to be combined into a single space, in keeping with the free-flowing planning associated with the Modern Movement.

Historic England has said it’s a ‘notable regional example’ of the Streamlined Moderne style, which was made popular through architectural journals and exhibitions such as the 1934 Empire Exhibition.

As well as the remarkable design features, there are original domestic features like bell pushes and a service bell board in the butler’s pantry, which once summoned staff to different rooms of the house.

As for the Joseph Sunlight connection – the celebrated Manchester-based architect and property developer designed hundreds of houses in the nearby Sedgley Park estate, as well as the South Manchester synagogue in Fallowfield (1913) and the Art Deco office block Sunlight House in Manchester city centre (1932).

Although the architect of 26 Old Hall Road is not formally documented, its design quality and Sunlight’s dominant local presence make him the most likely candidate.

Tom Frater, Regional Director – North
Historic England, said: “26 Old Hall Road is a rare and glamorous survival of the Streamlined Moderne style in a suburban setting that has changed remarkably little since the 1930s.

“Its listing recognises both its outstanding design and its probable connection to one of Manchester’s most inventive inter-war architects, Joseph Sunlight.”

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Sports Heritage and Leisure, added: “We are supportive that Historic England has granted 26 Old Hall Road Grade II listed status. It will help to ensure that its unique character is protected for future generations.”

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Featured image: Historic England Archive Alun Bull