My 'bolt hole'  ....... Nah! only kidding

Though actually in Leicestershire near the border with Derbyshire, situated at the end of a long driveway off the Melbourne to Asby Road, Staunton Harold, with it's Hall, church, park and lake has been a major attraction for Derbyshire people for many years. The house was itself an established Sue Ryder home for many years, but has recently closed. It housed frequent exhibits by local artists, a cafe and shop.

Staunton was mentioned in Domesday as being held by Henry de Ferrers, remaining in Ferrers family until it's sale in 1954. The first house at Staunton was built by Sir William de Staunton in 1324. In 1423 Margaret, sister and heiress of Thomas de Staunton, married Sir Ralph Shirley, Constable of Melbourne Castle and the adopted Staunton as the family Home.

The house was largely rebuilt by Sir Robert Shirley, Ist Earl of Ferrers. He also built the church in 1653 which adjoins the house. Washington Shirley who became the 5th Earl Ferrers, rebuilt the Hall in the present Palladian style to which was added later the Georgian front as it is today, mellow brick with stone faced, pedimented, centre surmounted by figures of Minerva, Apollo and Ceres.