But, after he made his name and wealth by discovering the alloy known as stainless steel, he found himself in considerably more comfortable surroundings – and the house he once lived in is now on the market for £1.2 million.
Walton Ridge, a six-bedroom detached mansion at Walton in Chesterfield, sits within more than an acre of gardens and enjoys spectacular countryside views.
Brearley, who died in 1948, purchased the site at the end of the First World War and it turned out to be his final residence in the North of England.
The property is listed on Zoopla – estate agent Dales & Peaks, which is handling the sale, says Walton Ridge is a ‘truly special home’.
"Walton Ridge is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by over an acre of well-manicured gardens with a rural outlook over Chesterfield Golf Course, fields and the countryside beyond,” the firm’s listing says.
The house is approached by a long, sweeping driveway, and has a large lawned area overlooking a two-and-a-half acre field which is included in the sale.
“The ground floor comprises an entrance porch leading into a spacious hall,” the listing says. “Double doors open into a bay-fronted dining room with outstanding views. A large family living room with exposed beams and feature fireplace leads into a garden room with a vast picture window overlooking the gardens and patio doors onto a terrace.
"The kitchen with breakfast area also has patio doors leading onto the terrace. In addition there is a further sitting room, separate utility room, downstairs WC and cloakroom.
"On the first and second floors there are five generously proportioned bedrooms, including a stunning master bedroom with a balcony.
"There are two bathrooms, a smaller bedroom and three eaves storage rooms.”
Outside there is a large workshop and double garage with attached outbuildings too.
Brearley left school by the age of 12 to take a job running errands at the steel mill where his father worked. Later he secured a role in the laboratories, began studying metallurgy and discovered stainless steel while undertaking research at Firth Brown’s.
He used his money to launch the Freshgate Trust Foundation, a charity that gives grants to improve the lives of disadvantaged people.
Brearley left Walton Ridge – close to the Chesterfield Tube Works where he was made a consultant metallurgist – with his family in 1929.
He went to South Africa and Australia before settling in Torquay, living out his days at the coastal house he built with a familiar name – Walton Cottage.
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1. Seen from above
The house sits within more than an acre of gardens, and an extra two-and-a-half acres of land is included in the sale. Photo: Zoopla/Dales & Peaks
2. The living room
Wooden beams, an open fireplace and leaded windows add character to the lounge. Photo: Zoopla/Dales & Peaks
3. The dining room
The separate dining room provides a formal space for occasions and entertaining and features a large bay window. Photo: Zoopla/Dales & Peaks
4. The garden room
Walton Ridge's garden room is a relaxing space with an attractive tiled floor. Photo: Zoopla/Dales & Peaks