There are hundreds of great and grand houses in the UK but Haddon Hall, near Bakewell in Derby, is unique among them.
It is 900 years old and has been in the same family all that time. But that’s not what makes it all that special.
For 200 years during the reign of Queen Anne to the late 19th century it was locked up. When the key was turned to close it the house was left in a state of suspended existence. Everything was left stock still . . . the tapestry on the walls, the furniture, the pewter in the cupboards. Everything, just waiting to be dusted off and lived in again.
Over the centuries it became known as the “Sleeping Beauty” house.
The owners preferred to live at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire and Haddon Hall slumbered on.
Restoration begins
It wasn’t until early last century that the … Read more