Grand home with priest holes and a tunnel to nearby church

A GRAND Midland house with its own secret hideaways used by priests fleeing Elizabethan persecution has gone on the market.

The £2 million Black Country manor dates back to the 1600s and is steeped in history and boasts three priest holes, which concealed priests in an age when Catholics were persecuted.

Priest holes were ofen specially disguised behind panels and floorboards within a house to baffle search parties.

The grade II-listed home in Aldridge, Walsall, also comes with the remains of an underground tunnel which leads to the nearby church.

Agents Fine and Country said: “This beautifully grand and imposing property is set behind large wrought iron gates in the heart of Aldridge.

“The Moot House (which translates to meet) is believed to date back to the 1600s with later additions in around 1751.

“There are three priest holes in the property, with the remains of an underground tunnel that used to run underneath the croft to the nearby church.”

The eight-bedroom property is set within over half an acre of gardens.

There is a strawberry patch, masses of bluebells and snowdrops in the spring, a chicken run and a tree house. The home, in The Green, also features four bathrooms.

The current owner said: “The house is very elegant and spacious, with stunning original features, including hand blown crown glass panes. It is so full of character and history. A particularly special room is the master bedroom with its coved ceiling and stunning views.

‘‘The peaceful walled garden is visited by lots of birds, butterflies and bees and our chickens fill the coop with freshly laid eggs for breakfast each morning.

‘‘The views from the garden over the croft are pretty enough to paint.”