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Renishaw Hall has been the home of the Sitwells for nearly 400 years. Today it is three-storied, grey and battlemented, dominating a deep valley to the north-east of Chesterfield in Derbyshire.

In 1625 George Sitwell built a small H-shaped manor house to which his descendent Sitwell Sitwell, later first baronet, made vast additions around 1800. He also built the Stables and various follies in and around the Park.

The beautiful Italianate gardens, park and lake are the creation of the eccentric Sir George Sitwell at the end of the nineteenth century. They remain beautiful, thanks to the care of Lady Sitwell and the Head Gardener and some new planting within Sir George’s design by world famous garden designer Anthony Noel.

There is a Children's Garden with silhouettes of children's story characters, a living willow tunnel, a storytelling seat where Granny Diane tells tales once a month, wooden sculptures on the trees, and a living mushroom!

More information about Renishaw and the Events held there can be found on their Website, where you can also sign up for their E-Newsletter.

The Sitwells:

In the twentieth century the Sitwell family became famous through the writings of Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell, the three gifted children of Sir George and Lady Ida Sitwell. The youngest, known as Sachie,was the only one of his generation to marry, and Renishaw was passed on to his elder son, Sir Reresby Sitwell, who died this year.

In his brief history Renishaw Hall and the Sitwells, which can be purchased when you visit, Sir Reresby wrote: 'Many people will be daunted by the weather-beaten and gloomy north facadeof the ancient building. Moreover, it is no surprise that the house has thesinister reputation of being haunted. Yet perhaps these are factors that maycontribute to the strange compelling atmosphere which seems to have held amysterious grip upon all who live or work here, an enchantment that will notappeal to everyone - and may well be tempered by the vagaries of climate -but has led one visitor, the artist, Rex Whistler, to declare that Renishawwas the most exciting place he knew.'

The Museum and Galleries at Renishaw Hall:

The Sitwell family knew many of the most prominent literary and artistic figures of the twentieth century. Osbert Sitwell in particular was active in commissioning and collecting modern works of art, and he and his siblings were at the heart of literaryand artistic life in London and elsewhere. Some of their protégés, such as Cecil Beaton, John Piper and William Walton have become household names. The Museum and the Galleries in the stables enable visitors to see a rich variety of material and exhibits from the Sitwell archives and collections, and a recent film about the family and their home.

The Sitwell Museum contains Sitwell memorabilia and photographs, many having been exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery; also on display are costumes and uniforms from the last 150 years, including couture dresses.

The Exhibition Gallery was the brainchild of Penelope Sitwell and this year features the private collections of Sir Osbert Sitwell. Many of the items are unseen including Picasso, Rex Whistler, Cecil Beaton and Wilfred Owen to name but a few.

Opening Times - 2010:

Gardens, Museum & Gallery Cafe:
1st April - 26th September: Thursday - Sunday & Bank Holidays, 10.30 am - 4.30 pm
The Hall tours are available to the public every Friday in season at 2 pm. Pre-booking is recommended

Admission Prices - 2010:

Garden, Museum & Galleries:
Adult - £6
Child - £5.20
Senior - £5.20
Group - £5.20
Season ticket - £28
Parking - £1

Hall & Gardens:
Adult - £12

Groups Welcome (minimum 25 people).

Weddings and Conferences:

Renishaw Hall has a licence allowing Civil Wedding ceremonies in the Dining Room. Built in 1793 and designed by the Sheffield architect Joseph Badger. The Dining Room is one of the most elaborately decorated rooms at Renishaw Hall. The room culminates in an apse that was contrived to incorporate the former cockpit and contains many fine works of art.

Civil Wedding ceremonies may be held on any day of the week. Please note that during the summer months the Gardens are open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays and also on Thursday during July and August. Renishaw is also available for conferences. It has rooms of varying sizes, for up to 50 people, and modern equipment.

Filming:

Renishaw Hall Is available for film and television production location work.

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.