Beyond the manicured flowerbeds and productive kitchen gardens lies a fascinating network of spaces essential to maintaining Calke Abbey’s horticultural beauty. The Gardeners’ Bothy, a humble yet vital structure, provided a place for the team to rest and plan their work. A ‘secret tunnel’, though perhaps not entirely hidden, offered a practical route for transporting … Read more
The gardens at Calke Abbey offer a captivating glimpse into the estate’s rich horticultural heritage. The kitchen garden, with its aged walls and weathered glasshouses, evokes a sense of faded grandeur. The flower garden bursts with vibrant, seasonal blooms, while the tranquil physic garden reveals a fascinating collection of medicinal plants once used for healing. … Read more
Pleasure grounds are ornamental gardens or landscaped areas designed for leisurely enjoyment, often found around stately homes, country estates, or grand houses. They were particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, influenced by the English landscape garden movement. Unlike formal gardens, which were symmetrical and highly manicured, pleasure grounds were typically more naturalistic and … Read more
The brewhouse tunnel at Calke Abbey offers a fascinating glimpse into the estate’s historical workings. This subterranean passage connects the brewhouse to the main house, a testament to the practicalities of a self-sufficient estate. Its construction speaks to the desire to move goods, in this case, likely brewed beverages, discreetly and efficiently. The tunnel’s existence … Read more
St Giles’ Church, nestled within Calke Abbey’s grounds, offers a serene historical glimpse into the past. Originally a parish church for the village of Calke between 1160 and 1834, it’s now a private chapel. Notably, St Giles was a ‘peculiar’, exempt from the Bishop’s jurisdiction, a status abolished in the 1800s. The church today is … Read more
The old stables at Calke Abbey are a complex of buildings with a rich history. The stately brick stables were built in 1712-1716 by William Gilkes of Burton. The riding school was likely added between 1730 and 1770 by Joseph Pickford. The stable block consists of four ranges around a courtyard and features a two-story … Read more
Sunsets, those fleeting moments of fiery hues and soft pastels, hold a universal allure. They paint the sky with a masterpiece of colours, signalling the day’s end and the promise of twilight. People are drawn to their beauty, finding solace and wonder in the ever-changing canvas above. Sunsets offer a moment to pause, reflect, and … Read more
The Smithy in Calke Abbey offers a glimpse into the estate’s working past. Once needed to keep farm equipment, tools, and horseshoes in good repair, the ancient forge is fitted out with original bellows, an anvil, and a much-worked hearth. Look inside and imagine the smell, noise, and sensation of the blacksmith’s work, where iron … Read more
Calke Abbey’s Deer Park, a sprawling historic landscape, offers a captivating journey into nature. Home to herds of red and fallow deer, it provides a glimpse into a traditional parkland setting. Ancient trees dot the landscape, creating a haven for wildlife. Visitors can explore the walking trail around the deer park witnessing seasonal changes and … Read more
Calke Abbey, a National Trust gem in Ticknall, Derbyshire, offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era. This ‘un-stately home’ is preserved as found, showcasing the fascinating decline of a country estate. Explore its unrestored rooms, discover hidden collections, and wander through its beautiful, yet faded, walled gardens and orangery. With its vast parkland, Calke … Read more