History

Built in 1891 by the Hudson family of Hudson Soap manufacturers which eventually became Lever Brothers
It is said that Hillbark is based on Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire and is made entirely of wood, it has been claimed that Hillbark is one of the finest examples of half timbered Victorian design anywhere in the country.
It is also stated that Crown Prince Wilhelm of Germany came to stay in these parts at the turn of the century. He liked the house, he was inspired to build a replica in the German town Pottsdam
Sir Ernest Royden of The Cunard Line purchased the property in the 1920’s-Hillbark was moved between 1929-31 to its present position in Frankby onto land that had been left to Mrs Royden
As the house was taken to pieces someone had to painstakingly write on the back of each section in the neatest of handwriting, the exact location of each part of the house
Moving the building today would cost in the region of £40million
Contained within the house are stained glass windows by William Morris, a rare Adam fireplace and a fireplace which once belonged to Sir Walter Raleigh dating back to 1627
Sir Ernest Royden was a ship builder and gave most of the house over to orphans of seamen who were evacuated from Liverpool during the Second World War and set up camp, literally on the fields outside Hillbark until 1949
The Royden family lived at Hillbark right up until Sir Ernest’s death in 1960 when he left the house to the council in his will, as most of his family had moved away from the area
The house was always fully staffed as would benefit the status of the Royden family. Sir Ernest would open up Hillbark one day each year so that people could come and look at the house and see it in all its glory
Sir Ernest Royden owned all the surrounding land at Hillbark including Royden Park right up to Thor Stone at Thurstaston
The local authority turned Hillbark into an old peoples home. This remained the case up until 1984 when the home closed and the building fell in to disrepair
Hillbark was sold to a private buyer in 1996 and finally re-opened in 2000 to cater for weddings until 2002 when the current owners, Craig and Lisa Baker took over the reins
Hillbark now has 18 bedrooms each uniquely designed and furnished. Each room has been named after ships that were in port at the time Hillbark was built
The library is currently used for private dining and for civil wedding ceremonies
The Dining Room is currently a fine dining restaurant and also where you will find the Adam Fireplace
The Grill Room is located in the West Wing and offers a Brasserie style menu
The Wine Cellar occupies over 700 wines and offers private dining

The most recent addition is the Spa which offers holistic and Medi spa treatments

The Contessa’s Bar was originally the billiard room but is now a relaxing lounge where you can come in and enjoy a coffee or a nice cold glass of beer or wine