The John Bishop House Cheshire was a stunning piece of English history. This Grade II listed Georgian mansion became the comedian’s family home for several years before being sold in a controversial deal. The property stood in Northwich, Cheshire, and represented one of the region’s most beautiful historic estates.
John Bishop and his family called Whatcroft Hall home until 2019. The mansion held special meaning for the Liverpool-born entertainer who built his career from scratch. His journey from pharmaceutical sales representative to one of Britain’s top comedians mirrors the grandeur of the home he once owned.
The story of the John Bishop House Cheshire connects to a larger controversy about Britain’s infrastructure development. The property was sold to the HS2 rail project despite Bishop’s public criticism of the scheme. This sale marked the end of an era for the Bishop family and their connection to Cheshire.
Who is John Bishop?
John Bishop stands as one of Britain’s most successful comedians and entertainers. He has built a net worth of $19 million (approximately £18 million) through his comedy tours, television shows, and acting roles. His wealth comes from decades of hard work in the entertainment industry.
Bishop was born on November 30, 1966, at Mill Road Hospital in Everton, Liverpool. He grew up in a working-class family and spent most of his childhood in Cheshire towns like Runcorn and Winsford. He worked as a medical representative for pharmaceutical company Syntex before leaving in 2006 to pursue comedy full-time at age 40.
The comedian owns luxury properties and has made money from sold-out arena tours that attracted over half a million attendees. His real estate investments include his former Cheshire mansion and his current West Sussex estate. He doesn’t own private jets or yachts, but he does keep horses and other animals on his current property.
Bishop is married to actress Melanie, and they have three sons together. The couple briefly separated in 2000 but reconciled shortly after. They’ve been married since 1993, making their union over 30 years strong.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Bishop |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1966 |
| Place of Birth | Liverpool, England |
| Age | 58 years old |
| Profession | Comedian, Actor, Presenter |
| Net Worth | $19 million (£18 million) |
| Spouse | Melanie Bishop (m. 1993) |
| Children | Three sons (Joe, Luke, Daniel) |
| Former Residence | Whatcroft Hall, Northwich, Cheshire |
| Current Residence | Midhurst, West Sussex |
| Notable Work | John Bishop’s Britain, Doctor Who, A League of Their Own |
Where Does John Bishop Live Now?
John Bishop currently lives in Midhurst, West Sussex, after relocating from Cheshire in 2019. The move came after selling his Cheshire property to the HS2 rail project. He chose the peaceful market town in the South Downs as his new family home.
Bishop moved to the Sussex town with his wife Melanie and their three sons. The area offers him privacy and countryside living while remaining accessible to London. He knew no one when he first arrived, but the comedian met fellow celebrity Hugh Bonneville at a local vaccine centre during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Bishop family’s Sussex property sits surrounded by greenery with sprawling grounds. They keep horses, dogs, and pigs on their estate. The home features neutral interior colors with beige, cream, and brown tones throughout. His new residence offers uninterrupted views of the countryside.
John Bishop House Cheshire
The John Bishop House Cheshire represented a significant chapter in the comedian’s life. Whatcroft Hall was built in 1780 and stands as a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion. The property showcased classical English architecture and historical importance.
The hall was enlarged in 1807 for James Topping, with the enlargement including a new front and a dome at the center of the house over a spiral staircase. This architectural feature became one of the property’s most distinctive elements. The mansion underwent several modifications over the centuries while maintaining its historic character.
Bishop purchased the property for £2.25 million and later sold it for £6.8 million to the HS2 rail project in April 2019. This sale came despite his vocal opposition to the high-speed rail scheme. He stated the property became “unsellable” on the open market due to the HS2 construction plans taking place just 150 meters from the house.
The John Bishop House Cheshire served as the family’s primary residence for several years. The property was home to Bishop, his wife Melanie, and their three sons until 2019. The mansion provided space for the growing family and their lifestyle needs.
1. Where Is John Bishop House?
The John Bishop House Cheshire sat in Whatcroft, on the outskirts of Northwich and Davenham in Cheshire. The location placed it in beautiful countryside while remaining accessible to major cities. Northwich itself sits in Cheshire West and Chester, a region known for its historic properties and rural charm.
The property’s location became its downfall when HS2 plans placed the new rail line within several meters of the hall. This proximity to the planned railway reduced the property’s value and appeal. The hall had numerous fields, farms, and wildlife alongside it as well as neighboring homes.
The estate’s rural setting offered privacy and space. Whatcroft Hall Lane, where the property sits, has a length of approximately 1,234 meters. The area falls within Cheshire West and Chester Council’s jurisdiction. The postcode for the area is CW9 7SQ.
The location provided easy access to Liverpool, Manchester, and other major cities in the North West. The property sits 19.68 miles southwest from Manchester and 24.58 miles southeast from Liverpool. This positioning made it convenient for Bishop’s work commitments while offering countryside living.
2. Features of John Bishop House Cheshire
The John Bishop House Cheshire was a seven-bedroom mansion. The size provided ample space for his family of five and guests. Each room reflected the Georgian era’s architectural style and attention to detail.
The property featured a distinctive dome at the center of the house over a spiral staircase. This central feature served as a focal point of the home’s design. The house had a cupola with a weathervane at the center above the slated roof and was constructed out of recognizable brick.
The property spread over 6,760 square feet, making it one of the largest properties in the area. This extensive floor plan allowed for multiple living spaces, bedrooms, and service areas. The Georgian architecture featured high ceilings, large windows, and classic proportions.
The grounds extended well beyond the house itself. Whatcroft Hall had numerous fields, farms, and wildlife areas surrounding the main building. The estate offered outdoor space for recreation and privacy. The property included formal gardens and natural areas that complemented the historic mansion.
The interior maintained period features while accommodating modern family life. Historic England recognized the building as Grade II* listed, giving it protected status. This designation meant any changes required special permission from conservation authorities. The home balanced historical preservation with contemporary comfort.
The property was classified as a 690 square meter detached house when sold. The mansion’s energy performance certificate rated it as F, typical for historic properties. The building’s age and construction methods made modern energy efficiency challenging while maintaining its character.
John Bishop Real Estate Portfolio
John Bishop’s real estate journey reflects his rise in the entertainment industry. He grew up in modest circumstances in Cheshire before building his wealth. His property investments show his success and changing lifestyle needs.
The comedian’s childhood was spent in Runcorn and Winsford in Cheshire. He attended Murdishaw West Primary School and Brookvale Comprehensive School in the area. These early years in Cheshire influenced his later decision to buy property in the region.
Bishop purchased Whatcroft Hall for £2.25 million. This investment represented a major milestone in his career success. The Grade II* listed mansion became his family’s primary residence for several years. The property appreciated significantly during his ownership.
The sale to HS2 in 2019 brought £6.8 million. This represented a substantial profit, though Bishop stated the sale was forced by circumstances. A spokesman for Bishop told media that HS2’s offer was below market value and significantly less than the original estate agent price.
His current West Sussex property in Midhurst serves as the family home since 2019. The estate features extensive grounds with space for animals and countryside views. Detached properties in Midhurst fetched an average of £656,433 in the past year. His property likely exceeds this average given the estate’s size and features.
The Sussex estate includes stables for their horse Dolly and housing for their two pigs, Angus and Milo. The property reflects Bishop’s love for animals and rural living. The spacious grounds provide privacy and room for outdoor activities.
Bishop’s company Milo Properties showed assets amounting to £9,456,350 as of August 2014. This company likely manages his property investments and real estate holdings. His portfolio demonstrates financial growth alongside his entertainment career.
The move from Cheshire to Sussex marked a geographic shift for the family. However, Bishop maintains strong connections to the North West through his work and football fandom. He remains a devoted Liverpool FC fan, a fact frequently mentioned on shows like A League of Their Own.
Conclusion
The John Bishop House Cheshire remains an important part of the comedian’s history. Whatcroft Hall stood as a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion that Bishop called home until selling it to HS2 in 2019 for £6.8 million. The property represented both his success and the challenges of living near major infrastructure projects.
John Bishop’s journey from pharmaceutical representative to millionaire comedian shows in his property choices. His former Cheshire mansion reflected his rise to fame and fortune. The seven-bedroom estate provided a family home in the countryside he grew up in.
Today, Bishop lives in Midhurst, West Sussex, where he enjoys a quieter life in the South Downs. His real estate portfolio demonstrates careful investment and a preference for countryside living. The move from Cheshire to Sussex shows his ability to adapt while maintaining family values and privacy.
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