Peek Inside the Private Studio of Herman’s Hermits’ Keith Hopwood

England (October 15, 2020)—Like many former rock stars from the 1960s, Keith Hopwood of Herman’s Hermits has a bit of a home studio at his house in Tiverton near Tarporley, England. Unlike many former rock stars, however, you’ve probably heard music created there. After his rock n’ roll days were over, Hopwood founded Pluto Music, which has composed and recorded music for shows like Bob the Builder and Roald Dahl’s the BFG in his barn. Now the sprawling estate—and studio—are for sale.

The inside of Hulgrave Hall is duly appointed.

Hulgrave Hall is a sizable house dating back to the 18^th century, equipped with five bedrooms, library, wine cellar, dining room, drawing room, big kitchen and more across three floors. Helping fill out the three acres of land are an additional separate cottage, various outbuildings and sheds, a workshop, stables, an orchard, a paddock, ornamental gardens, and another seven acres that are separately up for sale.

Herman's Hermits — [/media-credit] Herman’s Hermits in 1968. Keith Hopwood (far left) would go on to found Pluto Music.

But for many, it’s the attached two-floor barn that will be the big draw, as it’s where Pluto Music has been based for decades. The first floor features an office/reception area, cloakroom with bathroom, and a storage/filing area. On the second floor, however, resides an ample control room and further live room that reportedly at points provided studio services to The Smiths and The Clash.

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The well-appointed control room is outfitted with a Mac, pair of 27” Apple screens, a Mackie 24:8 console, and a variety of studio monitors including sE Electronics Munro Sonic Egg 150s and classic Yamaha NS-10Ms, among other goodies. No word as to whether the gear comes with the house.

Set in the middle of open countryside against the backdrop of Beeston and Peckforton Castles, the house is roughly 33 miles from both Manchester and Liverpool. It is listed with Jackson-Stops, and at press time, is on the market with an asking price of £1,750,000 ($2,257,000).