Derbyshire Historic Houses
 | In Bolsover on A632, 6 miles east of Chesterfield, off MI junctions 29 or 30 Bolsover Castle is a semi-ruined 17th century mansion on a wooded hilltop, a Norman castle once stood on the site but the present house was the creation of two generations of the Cavendish family. In the Civil War work was suspended then completed after the Restoration. In the 18th century the family abandoned Bolsover Castle in favour of nearby Welbeck. The 'Little Castle' and Riding School survived intact, though unfurnished. English Heritage. Gardens. more information |
 | South of Derby and Melbourne, off A514 Calke Abbey was the home of the Harpur family for over 300 years. The property passed to the National Trust in 1985. The building has been preserved to illustrate the decline of the English country house, a 'time capsule' unchanged since the 1880s. Collection of natural history and satirical caricatures. Parkland with deer and sheep, an orangery, walled garden, and a 19th century church. more information |
 | 1.5 miles south of Bakewell, off B6012 One of the premier stately homes, the first house at Chatsworth was built by Bess of Hardwick and been the home of the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire ever since. In 1686 the 4th Earl started to rebuild the house, and the 6th Duke added a new wing 130 years later. Magnificent interior, painted ceilings from 1692, state rooms, collections of porcelain, silver, paintings and sculpture. 105 acres of garden and parkland surround the house. more information |
 | In Eyam village, 12 miles west of Chesterfield Situated in the famous 'Plague Village' in the Peak District, the gabled manor house is built of gritstone dating from 1671. Built to a rugged traditional design, Main rooms are furnished with 17th, 18th and 19th century pieces. Collection of family portraits, costumes, china and glass. The farmyard houses a Craft Centre where crafts people can be seen at work. more information |
 | 2 miles south-east of Bakewell, on A6 Buxton - Matlock road Haddon Hall overlooks the River Wye, and was never a castle. It's appearance dates from the 14th century and 15th centuries. In 1703 the 1st Duke of Rutland moved to Belvoir Castle, the family's principal seat in Leicestershire. It fell into decay, but in the 20th century the 9th Duke rescued the house and made it habitable again. Tapestries are part of the furnishings.The terraced gardens date from the 17th century. more information |
 | Near Chesterfield on B6039 off A617 Built for 'Bess of Hardwick' between 1591 and 1597. The house has large windows and six great towers, all with her monogram, 'ES'. Inside is fine plasterwork, rich decorations and furniture. It also has tapestries and a collection of portraits. There is a needlework exhibition. As the house was left unaltered over the centuries the exterior and interior remains as Bess left it. It passed to the National Trust in 1959. Gardens, courtyards, an orchard and herb garden as well as parkland. more information |
| Near Chesterfield on B6039 off A617 Hardwick Old Hall, the family seat of the Earls of Shrewsbury, was built in 1591 and enlarged by Bess of Hardwick, and the ruins still show her innovative planning and some decorative plasterwork. When the new hall was completed in 1597 Hardwick Old Hall was abandoned. English Heritage. more information |
 | 5 miles north-west of Derby, off A52 Built between 1759 and 1765 for Sir Nathan Curzon and mainly built by Robert Adam. Adam influenced the whole design from buildings in the park to the magnificent state apartments. The Hall houses a collection of furniture and works of art including paintings by Old Masters and family portraits. The Indian Museum displays items collected by a Lord Curson who was Viceroy of India. It is now owned by the National Trust. The house is set in 800 acres of parkland with an 18th century pleasure ground. Features include a lake, boat-house, summer-house, rose garden and an orangery. more information |
 | 9 miles south of Derby, at Melbourne, off A514 An elegant mansion with a poolside setting, surrounded by beautiful grounds. Originally built in the 12th century as the residence of the Bishops of Carlisle and over the years the lease of the house passed through many hands. Then purchased by Sir Francis Needham who demolish a large part of the house and build a new one, before selling it to Sir John Coke, and his family still live at the house. The Hall is superbly furnished and has many works of art. The grounds and gardens were laid out in the French style with avenues, long vistas with statues, and terraces. more information |
 | From Ashbourne, A515 south then A50 east on A50, signposted off A50 A late 17th century brick-built house, started in 1664 by Lord George Vernon. It has unusual diapered brickwork and a carved two-storey stone frontispiece. Good interior with decorative plasterwork, woodcarvings and painted ceilings. In 1967 the house was transferred to the National Trust. It houses the National Trust Museum of Childhood. more information |
 | In Garner Lane, 0.5 mile south of South Wingfield village on B5035. Access is by a 600 yard drive (no vehicles). A vast, ruined country mansion. Built in the mid-15th century and in 1569 Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here.Abandoned in the 1770's, but many parts have survived. English Heritage site. more information |