Allestree Hall is a Grade II* listed building located in Allestree Park, Derby, with a rich history dating back

to the late 18th century. Originally

commissioned in 1795 by Bache Thornhill, the hall was designed by the renowned architect James Wyatt. However, Thornhill sold the
incomplete structure to John Charles Girardot in 1805, who finished the building and lived there for two decades. The Evans family,
influential mill owners from Darley Abbey, acquired the hall in the 1820s and made several alterations, including expanding the park to
about 300 acres (
Home
)(
Friends of Allestree Park
).

During World War II, Allestree Hall was used by the Sherwood Foresters Regiment and later by the National Fire Service. After the war,
Derby Borough Council purchased the estate, converting much of the parkland into a public golf course. However, the hall itself has been
underutilized for decades and is in a state of partial disrepair, with sections of the interior suffering from neglect (
Friends of Allestree Park
).

Today, despite its historical significance and prime location within the Derwent Valley, the future of Allestree Hall remains uncertain.
Various plans for restoration and commercial development have been discussed, but concrete actions have yet to materialize (
Historic England
).

Allestree Hall's story begins with the purchase of 130 acres of land in Allestree by Bache Thornhill in 1795. He commissioned architect James Wyatt to build a villa on the site. Wyatt, one of the most esteemed architects of
his time, is noted for his contributions to neoclassical architecture. The hall was designed in this style, marked by its ashlar stone construction, symmetrical façade, and elegant classical detailing. However, the project was
left unfinished when Thornhill sold the estate in 1805 to John Charles Girardot, a merchant and vintner who completed the building. A foundation stone bearing the date 1802 and the initials "J.W." suggests that Wyatt had
completed the exterior (
Home
)(
Historic England
).

Girardot lived in the hall for two decades before selling it in 1824 to the Evans family, a prominent name in the region’s industrial history. William Evans, a mill owner associated with the Darley Abbey Mills, expanded the
estate's grounds, enlarging the park to around 300 acres. The Evans family made several modifications to the property, including the addition of a porch and other architectural enhancements (
Home
).

Allestree Hall underwent a period of mixed usage in the 20th century. During World War II, the hall was requisitioned by the military, housing the Sherwood Foresters Regiment and later the National Fire Service. After the
war, Derby Borough Council acquired the property in 1946, converting much of the estate into a public park and golf course. The council demolished some parts of the original structure, such as the west wing and a
conservatory (
Friends of Allestree Park
).

The park around the hall, Allestree Park, is the largest public park in Derby, spanning over 300 acres. It is a designated Local Nature Reserve, known for its wildlife, woodland, and open spaces. The golf course, introduced in
the mid-20th century, remains a key feature of the park. Despite these uses, the hall itself has remained largely vacant, with some parts of the ground floor occupied by the golf club. Unfortunately, much of the interior
has deteriorated due to neglect, with reports of dilapidation including falling plaster and exposed electrical wiring (
Friends of Allestree Park
).
 Efforts to restore and repurpose the hall have been ongoing but have faced several hurdles. The Friends of Allestree Park, a local group dedicated to preserving the hall and park, have advocated for the hall's renovation and
suggested its potential as a hub for cultural, business, and recreational activities (
Friends of Allestree Park
). However, discussions with developers for converting the hall into luxury flats and a public restaurant have not yet come to fruition. The hall remains a focus of local heritage discussions, particularly given its architectural
significance and its connection to Derby’s industrial past (
Friends of Allestree Park
)(
Historic England
).

In summary, Allestree Hall is a building with deep historical roots tied to significant figures in the region’s industrial and social history. While the surrounding park is a vibrant public space, the hall’s future remains uncertain as
efforts to restore and repurpose the building continue.

The Allestree Hall stables are a part of the larger Allestree Hall estate, located within Allestree Park in Derby, England. Like the hall, the stables have historical and architectural significance, but they have largely fallen into disrepair
over the years. Here’s a more in-depth look at the stables:
1. Historical Background
The stables were constructed as part of the estate when Allestree Hall was originally built, around the early 19th century. The hall itself dates back to 1795, and the stables were an integral part of the functioning of the estate,
serving the transportation and maintenance needs of the wealthy families that lived there, such as the Thornhills, Girardots, and later the Evans family.
As with many country estates, the stables would have housed horses and carriages, which were vital for travel and the day-to-day operations of such a large estate. Stables often had an important social function, symbolizing
wealth and status. They would have been carefully designed to complement the architectural style of the main hall.

2. Architectural Features
The stables are built from similar ashlar stone to the main hall, reflecting the neoclassical style of architecture. The design of the stables would have been utilitarian but elegant, in keeping with
the grandeur of the main hall.
• Courtyard design: Many stable blocks from this period were built around a central courtyard to allow easy access for carriages and staff. Allestree Hall’s stables are likely to follow this
layout.
• Pitched roofs: The stables would have had practical features such as pitched roofs to allow for good drainage and large windows to ventilate the space.
• Stable doors: Typically, stable doors were built large enough to accommodate horses, with top and bottom sections that could be opened separately.

3. Current Condition
The stables, like the main hall, have suffered from neglect and disuse over the decades. Reports indicate that they are in a dilapidated state, with many structural problems such as collapsing roofs and
deteriorating stonework. The stables, however, remain a significant part of the estate and retain many of their original architectural features despite the damage.
The state of the stables reflects the broader issue of neglect at Allestree Hall, where the main building and the stables have both suffered from lack of investment and upkeep.
4. Restoration Potential
There have been discussions around the restoration of Allestree Hall and its stables as part of larger redevelopment proposals. The stables, due to their historical and architectural significance, could potentially
be restored and repurposed as part of any future redevelopment plan for the estate. Proposals have included converting the hall into residential units or public spaces, and the stables could be included in such
a plan, perhaps as part of a commercial development or community center.
5. Environmental and Social Importance
The stables, like the rest of Allestree Hall, are located within Allestree Park, which is a public space and Local Nature Reserve. The potential for restoring and repurposing the stables would benefit the local
community, offering new amenities, while also preserving an important part of Derby’s architectural and historical heritage.
6. Challenges to Restoration
The stables face several challenges in terms of restoration:
• Cost: Restoring a dilapidated structure can be expensive, and with both the hall and stables in need of extensive work, funding is a major barrier.
• Heritage constraints: As part of a Grade II* listed site, any restoration of the stables must meet strict heritage conservation guidelines.
• Current condition: The extent of damage to the stables may make restoration more difficult and expensive, particularly if structural elements such as the roof and stonework are compromised.
7. Future Use
The stables could serve a variety of uses if restored, including:
• Commercial spaces: Converted into restaurants, cafes, or shops, capitalizing on the historic charm of the estate.
• Community use: Spaces for community events, exhibitions, or workshops.
• Residential units: As part of a broader redevelopment of the estate, the stables could be converted into residential units, in line with modern adaptive reuse practices.

1. Historical Context
Allestree Hall's history is intertwined with Derby's industrial development and the area's transformation over time. Built in the late 18th century by Bache Thornhill and completed by John Charles Girardot, the hall represents an
era of gentry estate development and showcases the influence of neoclassical architecture. Later ownership by the Evans family links it to the industrial history of Darley Abbey Mills, which is part of the Derwent Valley Mills
World Heritage Site. The hall’s varied use throughout the 20th century—serving military purposes in WWII and later public ownership by Derby City Council—demonstrates its changing role within the local community (
Home
)(
Friends of Allestree Park
).

2. Architectural Features
The hall is an example of neoclassical design, attributed in part to architect James Wyatt. Its ashlar stone construction, symmetrical façade, and classical detailing reflect the architectural tastes of the late 18th century. Key
features include:
• Five-bay front façade with sash windows and Ionic columns.
• Bow-fronted entrance hall with an elegant staircase (although the original metal balustrade is no longer present).
• Adam-style ceilings in some of the ground-floor rooms, indicating high-quality interior design elements (Home
) (Friends of Allestree Park
).
While the exterior structure largely remains intact, parts of the interior have suffered significant damage due to neglect, particularly after the council’s ownership in the 20th century. Some original wings, including a
conservatory, were demolished (
Friends of Allestree Park
)(
Historic England
).

3. Current Condition and Use

Allestree Hall is largely vacant, with only a small section occupied by a golf club and its professional shop. Many parts of the building are in disrepair, with structural deterioration visible in the form of plaster falling from walls,
electrical issues, and general neglect (
Friends of Allestree Park
).
4. Landscape and Surrounding Environment
Allestree Hall is set within Allestree Park, Derby’s largest public park, which includes:
• 300 acres of parkland, blending woodlands, open grasslands, and lakes.
• Local Nature Reserve status, with the park serving as a habitat for various species of flora and fauna (Friends of Allestree Park
) (Historic England
).
The landscape design of the estate is typical of late 18th and early 19th-century country houses, with sweeping views, designed vistas, and tree-lined paths. Although the formal gardens around
the hall are not well-maintained today, the park is still a significant recreational space for Derby residents, offering outdoor activities such as walking, birdwatching, and golfing.
5. Environmental and Social Value
The park is an essential green space for Derby, providing residents with a natural environment for recreation and relaxation. It serves as a ‘green lung’ for the city, contrasting with more
urban parks. The park’s biodiversity, along with its designation as a Local Nature Reserve, adds ecological significance (
Friends of Allestree Park
). However, the hall itself does not currently play a prominent role in public life due to its unused state.

6. Challenges and Opportunities

• Conservation Needs: The building is in urgent need of restoration. A major challenge is balancing the costs and logistical complexities of conserving a Grade II* listed structure while finding
a sustainable new use (Friends of Allestree Park
).
• Development Potential: Proposals have been made for the hall’s conversion into luxury apartments or a public venue. While these would bring new life to the building, there is public
concern about the transparency and inclusivity of these plans (Friends of Allestree Park
) (Historic England
).
• Community Involvement: The Friends of Allestree Park have advocated for the restoration of the hall and its use as a cultural, business, or recreational hub for the community (Friends of
Allestree Park
).

F
Wellness Retreat Case Studies

Inspiration and Insights for Allestree

Hall Stables
 Case Study: The Scarlet Hotel,
Cornwall
• The Scarlet Hotel offers a luxury eco-wellness
experience with a focus on sustainability.
Features include:
• - Cliffside natural pools
• - Ayurvedic-inspired spa
• - Organic restaurant using locally sourced
ingredients

• Key Takeaway: Emphasize eco-consciousness

and integration with nature.
 Case Study: Therme Group,
Worldwide
• The Therme Group creates large-scale wellness
destinations that combine water-based
activities with nature, art, and culture. Features
include: Loading…
• - Indoor tropical gardens
• - Thermal baths and saunas
• - Wellness programs for all age groups

• Key Takeaway: Blend wellness with education

and immersive experiences.
 Case Study: Soho Farmhouse,
Oxfordshire
• Soho Farmhouse combines a rustic retreat with
luxury amenities, emphasizing comfort and
community. Features include:
• - Farm-to-table dining
• - Holistic wellness activities
• - Private cabins surrounded by nature

• Key Takeaway: Balance exclusivity with

community-driven spaces.
 Conclusion
• These case studies highlight diverse
approaches to wellness retreat design. For
Allestree Hall Stables:
Loading…
• - Prioritize sustainability and natural
integration.
• - Create spaces for education, relaxation, and
community engagement.
• - Offer unique experiences tailored to wellness
seekers.
Application to Allestree Hall Stables
• • Integration of herbal gardens, essential oil
bars, and skincare workshops to engage
visitors.
• • Design to reflect natural, calming aesthetics
inspired by case studies.
• • Focus on sustainability and holistic well-
being, blending education and relaxation.