"Villa Mar"

Architectural Heritage Dossier

covering Thornton, (FY5), Lancashire

Compiled by Mike Pollard, 2009   Second Issue

Worth a mention is the lovely Arts and Crafts style example of Villa Mar which was once situated next door to the Library at Thornton.  It was owned by Mr. T.H. Bennet with another house next door which was built for his daughter, the latter was redeveloped first to become a care home for the elderly.  Mr. Bennet ran the Blackpool Mercedes dealership on Church Street, he was also a keen racehorse owner with stables and a paddock at Villa Mar.  The house was demolished following the death of Mr. Bennet.

 Picture courtesy of the Lingard family

Large pond in the foreground with Villa Mar and Mr. Bennet’s daughter's house behind.

 Picture courtesy of the Lingard family

The pond which dated back to the early 1800s’, pre dating the house, was large enough to allow what appears to be Mr.Bennet and his family to enjoy the use of a boat!  Early O.S. maps show a spring feed to the pond from the direction of Marsh Mill.

Pictures by Mike Pollard 2009

The large site at Villa Mar was transformed into an exclusive gated development, some of the pond has been retained in its original position as a natural feature and aquatic habitat.