Famed Codebreaker Alan Turing’s Copper Folly Home Up For Sale

Photo Credit: 1. Savills 2. Unknown Author / Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit: 1. Savills 2. Unknown Author / Wikimedia Commons

Whether you’re a history buff looking to live in the home of a famous historical figure or a family looking to escape the big city, look no further than Wilmslow. Just 30 minutes south of Manchester, the town was once home to famed WWII codebreaker and father of computer science Alan Turing. His Copper Folly residence, where he lived and died, is currently on the market for £1.1 million.

A lavish Victorian-era home

The 2,954 square foot renovated home has five bedrooms, three baths, and three living spaces with original features. It’s set away from the main road, allowing for a sizeable yard and ample privacy. Parking is provided by the large block-paved driveway, which leads up to the residence.

Exterior view of Copper Folly
Photo Credit: Savills

Inside, the main floor features a sunny hallway that leads to a formal living room with a bay window and oak flooring. There’s also a working fireplace surrounded by stone. The other side houses a dining room with original wood flooring and space for a second fireplace.

The dining room flows into a kitchen that showcases travertine flooring, large double-aspect windows, and doors that open into the garden. There are black marble countertops, an island, and high-end appliances, including a fridge, a dishwasher, and a freezer. There is also space for a range stove.

View of the kitchen
Photo Credit: Savills

The basement offers a utility room, a cloakroom, and a third versatile room. However, it’s the upper floors that present the grandest features. There are three bedrooms on the first floor, with two en suites. The first has a partly tiled shower room and white sanitary ware, while the second features a period-style roll top bath.

Head up to the second floor and you’ll find two bedrooms with skylights. The floor also features a split-level bathroom with a separate shower and sunken bath.

The outside is just as gorgeous

Those looking for a large lawn area will be satisfied with what Copper Folly has to offer. The property is surrounded by a Cheshire brick wall, with gated access to the rear gardens. As well, the garden is within view of a sunny garden room with a porthole window and vaulted ceiling.

A series of circular steps leads down to the lawn area, which extends along the side and back boundaries. The lawn is well-stocked with mature trees, and the garden is perfect for those who enjoy working outdoors.

Exterior rear view of Copper Folly
Photo Credit: Savills

Additionally, there’s a patio area with a hedged border separating it from the rest of the green space. It’s an ideal location for those looking to entertain or simply experience the tranquility of the area.

Copper Folly will appeal to all buyers

The semi-detached home hit the market on what would have been Alan Turing’s 109th birthday. It also occurred around the time the Bank of England released its new £50 note featuring the famed codebreaker.

The residence has since been deemed a heritage site. It features a blue plaque, which reads: “ALAN TURING, 1912-1954, Founder of computer science and cryptographer, whose work was key to breaking the wartime Enigma codes, lived and died here.”

Blue plaque outside of the residence, explaining its historical significance
Photo Credit: Savills

In a press release, Andrew Thorpe, head of real estate agency Savills’ Wilmslow office, said the home “offers the opportunity to purchase a timelessly attractive Victorian residence of historical importance.”

He also added the residence would appeal to “local aspirational upsizers, a London family looking to relocate to the north in search of more space and good schools, or even an international buyer for a pied-à-terre and a slice of history.”

View of one of the bathrooms
Photo Credit: Savills

More from us: When The Japanese Failed To Notice The Navy Had Cracked Their Code

Copper Folly is located close to the M56 and A34, allowing easy access to Manchester and surrounding cities. It is near highly regarded local state and private schools, and is a stone’s throw away from Wilmslow’s town center, which has a host of amenities including restaurants, grocery stores, and specialist shops.

Clare Fitzgerald

Clare Fitzgerald is a Writer and Editor with eight years of experience in the online content sphere. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from King’s University College at Western University, her portfolio includes coverage of digital media, current affairs, history and true crime.

Among her accomplishments are being the Founder of the true crime blog, Stories of the Unsolved, which garners between 400,000 and 500,000 views annually, and a contributor for John Lordan’s Seriously Mysterious podcast. Prior to its hiatus, she also served as the Head of Content for UK YouTube publication, TenEighty Magazine.

In her spare time, Clare likes to play Pokemon GO and re-watch Heartland over and over (and over) again. She’ll also rave about her three Maltese dogs whenever she gets the chance.

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