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Sutton Scarsdale Hall
Type:Historic House
Sutton Scarsdale
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S44 5UR
Call direct on:
Tel01246 822844
About
This dramatic 18th Century hilltop ruin of an imposing baroque mansion still retains remnants of its former rich plaster decoration. The Hall is between phases of a conservation project, with the whole of the building fenced off until these works are complete. Please note, this means that there is no access to the hall, but visitors are welcome to walk the gardens, and the exterior can be viewed.
It was Nicholas Leke, the 4th Earl of Scarsdale who built the Hall. He wanted a mansion that was grander than Hardwick, more ornate and more splendid than Chatsworth, decorated with Italian stucco-work to rival the richest European palace. As proof of his achievement, Nicholas died bankrupt in 1736.
The Hall passed from hand to hand, and was finally bought by Richard Arkwright, the ‘Father of the Factory System’ who owned mills in nearby Cromford.
His descendent John, sold the building to an asset stripper in 1919 who stripped the Hall of everything that could be torn from it, up to and including the lead from the roof. Three interior rooms are now on display in the Museum of Art in Philadelphia, and one wood panelled room was used as a set for ‘Kitty’ in 1934.
Ruined and rotting, the Hall was listed for demolition until, with just one day to spare, Osbert Sitwell from Renishaw Hall bought it.
The Hall is now owned by English Heritage who are carrying out major conservation work that started in 2016. The Hall is open for exterior viewing only.
Awards
- Other Awards
Self-assessed Accessibility Information
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
Catering
- Picnic site - Bring your own blanket!
Children
- Children welcome
Parking
- Free Parking
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
Site Features
- English Heritage Property
TripAdvisor
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From North/South Leave M1 motorway at junction 29 and take A6175 (signposted Clay Cross). Take 1st right turn into Heath village. Follow road through village for approx 1 mile, then turn right out of village onto Shire Lane. As lane curves round to right take left turn onto Sutton Lane. Follow road for ¼ mile and turn left (Hall Drive). Follow road to Sutton Scarsdale Hall.
From East Take A617 to junction with M1 motorway and, at roundabout select left lane and take 2nd exit (A6175). Then follow route from North/South.
From West Follow A619 to Chesterfield. At traffic light controlled roundabout (Matalan) select middle lane and take 3rd exit. Keep in left lane and, at traffic lights go straight on. At roundabout select middle lane and take 2nd exit (A632 signposted Bolsover). At traffic lights go straight on and at next traffic lights (Royal Hospital) go straight on. Follow road through Calow and on to Arkwright Town. At roundabout (Arkwright Town) take 3rd exit onto Sutton Lane. Follow road for 1¼ miles. Turn left (Hall Road). Follow road to Sutton Scarsdale Hall.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest train station Chesterfield, 5 miles away
Bus number 48 from Chesterfield town centre (only 5 per day and no Sunday service)
