Upon first glance, Stott Hall Farm appears to be the quintessential countryside farmhouse, boasting charming stone walls and a cosy hearth that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
However, if you listen carefully, instead of the soft mooing of cows, you’ll hear the thunderous roar of the M62 motorway.
This major road splits and encircles the unique family home on both sides before rejoining a few miles further.
The motorway, connecting Liverpool, Manchester, and Leeds, stands in stark contrast to the old-world allure of Stott Hall Farm, which has become a notable landmark for those journeying across the North of England.
Naturally, this unusual location has sparked curiosity, with many wondering why anyone would opt to live nestled between lanes of fast-moving traffic, regardless of the property’s charm.
(Image: PA)
Ken with his granddaughter in the living room at Stott Hall Farm
(Image: Kimberley Pollard)
Over time, tales have circulated among northern travellers about the origins of the home, with one story in particular capturing the public’s imagination.
It’s widely believed that Ken Wild, the farm owner, adamantly refused to sell his land when plans for the six-lane carriageway were drafted in the 1960s.
As a result, the makeshift island was constructed as a compromise and testament to his tenacity.
(Image: DAH Sports Images)
Stott Hall Farm – 02/11/17 (Pic by Dave Howarth)
However, this narrative isn’t entirely accurate, and the owners themselves have previously shed light on the true reasoning behind this beloved geographical oddity, reports the Mirror.
Ken resided there with his wife, Beth, and their sheep herd. However, contrary to the image of a defiant rebel, Ken was far from it.
A documentary, shot nearly two decades after the completion of the motorway, has shed light on why the farm sits in the middle of a motorway.
The film, Clegg’s People, was shot in 1983 and released by the British Film Institute (BFI) a few years ago, explaining why the road could never have been constructed on the farm.
Journalist Michael Clegg stated: “A geological fault beneath the farmhouse meant it was more practical for engineers to leave it rather than blast through and destroy it. Outside the noise is relentless but inside it’s as peaceful and cosy as any farmhouse.”
Ken and Beth moved into the farmhouse in 1934 and always maintained that the motorway didn’t bother them – although Beth did concede that it made cleaning more difficult due to the dust created by the numerous cars speeding past.
Tragically, the couple did witness several fatal accidents while residing on the farm.
The closest they came to disaster was at 4.20 am one morning when a 32ft lorry overturned in their yard. Thankfully, “the driver climbed out through the windscreen. He wasn’t hurt at all”.
Over ten years ago, sheep farmer Paul Thorp and his wife, Jill Falkingham-Thorp, purchased the farm where they now reside with their son, John-William. They care for over 900 ewes and 20 Angus cattle, which can be seen grazing on the moorland beyond the motorway.
(Image: DAH Sports Images)
Stott Hall Farm – 02/11/17 (Pic by Dave Howarth)
The couple completely renovated the home, which dates back to 1737, and Jill has always maintained that it’s no different from living anywhere else. “Traffic is very close,” she previously told the Manchester Evening News.
“But it’s always windy here, which takes the pollution away. Students from the University of Huddersfield took soil and air samples and actually pollution is surprisingly low. We have treble glazing and it’s no different to living anywhere that has a road.”
The constant noise can be frustrating, which Jill admits she’s ‘sensitive’ to. However, she emphasised her love for her unique home.
“A lot of people say it’s bleak and like Wuthering Heights but I don’t see it like that. I think it’s beautiful.”
(Image: DAH Sports Images)
Stott Hall Farm – 02/11/17 (Pic by Dave Howarth)
On Channel 4’s show ‘The Pennines: Backbone of Britain, Paul said: “To get an opportunity to take on a farm this size were once in a lifetime, so it’s my home now. It’s just everything.”
He added: “It’s just like any other farm really. You’ve got to know your land, know your job and plan around it. The only thing is we’ve got six lanes of traffic through ours. It throws up its challenges, it’s very unique.”
Regarding the unending streams of traffic, he also remarked: “The mind boggles as to where everybody is going. I just cannot get me head around where everybody’s going every day.”
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