Does anyone know what this building is? Its off jun29 M1 near Chesterfield. Always lots of cars, but no signs.

Question

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=53.198289,-1.3245428&z=18&t=h&hl=en

Answer 1

Sorry no idea

Answer 2

It's not Hardwick Hall as that's further south down the M1 and slightly to the east.

The closest I've come is a list of roadside cafes (see the attached link - but ignore the Google Map links as they are incorrect on that page).  Steve's Cafe is described as being "located in the the fairly large first lay-by as soon as you turn onto the A617 Chesterfield Bypass".  Unfortunately, this looks as though it's probably just the other side of the road to the driveway to the building you're looking for.  But it does have a mobile number for Steve.

Maybe give him a call, ask him to stop making bacon sandwiches for a second and just pop over the road for you.

UPDATE

Based on the name of the property (use the postcode finder and look for Church Lane, Heath), I'm guessing it's a private residence.  Not the world's greatest location for a house. The small driveway is probably just an access road and people going eastbound on the A617 use it for parking and popping over to Steve's Cafe.

Answer 3

It's not Hardwick Hall - Hardwick Hall's about 3.5 miles south of the building you're asking about

I'd say the building is newer than Hardwick anyway - the mystert one has a pitched roof

Answer 4

Lordie I've just spent the last 15 minutes doing everything I can think of to find out...so far, no clues...leave it with me!

The only thing I can find is Hardwick Hall. But according to your map, it doesn't look like there's enough land attached to it to be that...but the directions seems to add up:

http://www.derbyshireonline.co.uk/places...

Answer 5

The only building of significance that I can think of in the location you mention is Hardwick Hall. This can be seen from the M1, Junction 29, on a hill a short distance away.

Actually, if this is the building you have seen, it has to be approached via the village of Tibshelf near to Chesterfield. This is possibly why you see lots of cars but no signs - as the signposts are not from the motorway! The internet has many entries for this site, giving details of how to get there, etc.

Actually, there are two buildings: the 'Old Hall' and the 'New Hall', within a few yards of each other. The Old Hall is a ruin but the New Hall is in perfect condition.

They were built by 'Bess of Hardwick', Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, hence the intials E and S above the New Hall. She was regarded as possibly the second most powerful woman in England, after Queen Elizabeth I. It is often said that she built the New Hall to impress the Queen - who never visited!

'Bess' abandoned her Old Hall when new technology allowed for better and cheaper glass to be produced and built the much 'lighter' New Hall, with its famous windows. This was completed in 1597. She obviously had lots of money - but she did not enjoy the house for very long as she died in 1608!

The Hall(s) are set in beautiful parkland, with superb views of the countryside. The interior is fabulously furnished. There are nearby attractions such as a 'working' ceramics exhibit and there are good nearby eating facilities. Again, the internet can give a much better detailed description.

This is a National Trust property and if you are a member admission is free. If not, you can still visit for a few pounds. There is a long 'opening season' - but the Hall is closed on Fridays (grounds only on Fridays). Don't go in the 'high season' - as for many heritage sites. I last went in an October and had the place virtually to myself!

If this is not the building to which you refer, I hope that the details supplied will still be of use and that you will be encouraged to visit. It's fantastic -- but not really suitable for young children who will easily be bored.

Answer 6

If I told you,  you would spend the rest of your natural life running from  MI6.