Middle Mayfield, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6

An exceptional Grade II listed country house of considerable architectural and historic merit, offering extensive and beautifully proportioned accommodation.

Description

Description
Mayfield Hall is an outstanding Grade II listed country house of considerable architectural and historic merit, with beautifully balanced elevations and fine sash fenestration. Extending to approximately 9,787 sq ft, the main house provides five reception rooms and nine bedrooms arranged over two principal floors. A superb collection of period outbuildings including a three bedroom cottage, home office and gym, gardener’s kitchen, garaging and stores complements the main residence.

The house showcases an abundance of classical features: high ceilings with moulded cornices, original fireplaces, panelled shutters, window seats and an original butler’s bell system. A comprehensive modernisation programme was undertaken in 2006, including reroofing, rewiring and replumbing. More recently, the Hall has been further refined with sympathetic interiors and high quality fittings throughout.

Accommodation
Approached via automated wrought iron gates, the sweeping gravel driveway leads to the formal south entrance. A partially glazed doorway beneath a portico opens into the magnificent central hall, featuring stone flooring and an elegant cantilevered staircase rising through the heart of the house. A secondary entrance on the west side opens into a practical porch and provides excellent everyday access.
The ground floor offers three formal and highly versatile reception rooms. The drawing room is a beautifully proportioned space with decorative cornicing, ceiling rose, original timber floors and a Chesney multi fuel stove set within an ornate fireplace. The dining room enjoys a broad window seat and south facing glazed doors, while the richly panelled sitting room features dual aspect windows, window seats and a log burner set in a stone surround. A door from the hall leads to extensive and atmospheric cellars.
To the west, former garaging has been transformed into a bright morning room with dual double doors and large format porcelain tiles continuing into a rear hall, giving access to a guest bathroom, generous utility/laundry room, rear staircase and the outbuildings.
The breakfast kitchen is fitted with bespoke Burbidge Shaker cabinetry topped with Minstral stone worksurfaces and centred around a substantial island. An electric AGA with companion and a Quooker tap enhance the practicality of the space. Adjacent sits a breakfast room enjoying garden views.
The principal staircase rises to a broad galleried landing and a luxurious principal suite, enjoying far reaching rural views through three tall sash windows. The suite includes a beautifully appointed en suite bathroom with Duravit fittings, walk in steam shower, freestanding bath and underfloor heating, together with an exceptional dressing room with log burner. Four further first floor bedrooms, two en suite, plus a bathroom and shower room complete this level.
The second floor provides two additional bedrooms, a dressing room, bathroom and WC, as well as a fitted kitchen, offering excellent potential for semi independent guest, staff or multi generational living.

Outbuildings
A charming range of period outbuildings lies to the rear of the Hall. The former shire horse stables have been thoughtfully converted into superb ancillary accommodation, including an open plan living dining kitchen fitted with Clive Christian cabinetry, a sitting room with herringbone flooring and French doors to a private terrace, a cloakroom, and three good bedrooms above.
Additional buildings include a former gamekeeper’s accommodation arranged as a gym and WC with a first floor home office, a gardener’s kitchen with WC, the striking domed clock tower with cupola, and a former piggery now offering a party kitchen, reception room and stores. A brick barn provides further garaging.


Gardens and Grounds
Set within approximately 3.69 acres, the gardens form a glorious backdrop to the house. Manicured lawns lead to majestic specimen trees, clipped hedging and deep, well planted borders. A remarkable feature to the west is a unique hourglass shaped flight of reversed stone steps, thought to date from the 18th century.
Additional highlights include an ornamental pond, a yew hedged arbour, and an 18th century walled former kitchen garden. To the south lie woodland areas with independent access, while to the west two acres of pastureland extend the grounds.

Additional Grazing Land
Included with Mayfield Hall is a one third share of approximately 3.42 acres of grazing land situated opposite the Hall to the east, incorporating a small woodland area. Owing to shared ownership with adjoining landowners, the land cannot be developed without unanimous agreement (subject to planning). Further details are available on request.

Location

Historic Note
Mayfield is a village of deep historical significance, with origins traced back over a thousand years and recorded in the Domesday Book as Mavreveldt. Its Norman church, believed to date from circa 1125 during the reign of Henry I, remains a striking feature of the parish. The present church of St John the Baptist is principally 12th century, enhanced over time with later additions, including a 16th century tower.
The village holds a small but memorable place in British history: on 7 December 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s retreating army passed through Mayfield, sending many villagers to seek refuge in the church. Bullet holes left by the soldiers, who fired through the doors, can still be seen today.
Mayfield Hall stands on land originally granted by William the Conqueror to Henry de Ferrars and subsequently to the Priory of Tutbury. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538, the estate was surrendered to Henry VIII and sold in 1543 to Sir Edward Aston. The Hall contains remarkable architectural details, including a panelled bedroom with a fireplace dated 1608 and impressive cellars and passages believed to date from 1157. A later Georgian transformation introduced the handsome façade, clock tower and elegant extensions created in the 18th century by William Greaves.
Mayfield Hall is reputedly understood to come with the title Lord of the Manor of Mayfield, offering a distinctive and noteworthy historical legacy.

Square Footage: 8,274 sq ft


Acreage: 9 Acres

Directions

Location
Mayfield Hall is located in the hamlet of Middle Mayfield, on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park. Local amenities are available within Mayfield, including the award winning Duncombe Arms public house, while the historic market town of Ashbourne is only three miles away and offers an excellent range of shops, cafés, restaurants, medical facilities and leisure opportunities. Uttoxeter Racecourse is also within easy reach.
The area is rich in outdoor pursuits, with extensive walking, cycling, riding and climbing throughout the National Park, and watersports and fishing on nearby Carsington Water. Ashbourne supports a wide variety of clubs and societies including golf, tennis, rugby, cricket and the Birdsgrove Fly Fishing Club.
The nearby village of Ellastone is particularly appealing, home to the Duncombe Arms. From the property, there are walks down to the River Dove, reached in around ten minutes, with a footpath leading to Ellastone via the ruins of Calwich Abbey.
Schooling is highly regarded, with options including Repton School, Denstone College and Abbotsholme School, alongside well regarded state schools. Transport links are strong, with access to Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham and Leicester, as well as nearby airports and mainline rail services. From Derby, London St Pancras can typically be reached in around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Additional Info

General Remarks

Directions
From Ashbourne take the A452 towards Leek for approximately one mile, turn left onto the B5032 signposted Mayfield. Continue for approximately 1 mile through Mayfield and Wallash. Having just passed the sign for Middle Mayfield turn right into Hermitage Lane. After approximately 250 metres as the lane bends to the left you will see the entrance to Mayfield Hall with the clock tower in front.

Postcode DE6 2JU

Services
Mains water, electricity, gas and drainage are connected. Central heating is gas fired.

Council Tax Band - H
EPC Rating - E
Tenure Freehold

Fixtures and Fittings
Fitted carpets are included in the sale. All other fixtures, fittings and furnishings including curtains, light fittings, garden statuary and ornaments are excluded but may be available by separate negotiation.

Viewings
Strictly by prior appointment with Savills.