The grounds and surrounding area offer a backcloth for painters and photographers alike or for those who simply wish to commune with the view. 

The secluded location is a delight for those with an interest in photography, painting and bird-watching. A short stroll will take you to one of three National Nature Reserves at Monk’s Dale, Hay Dale and Cressbrook Dale. Each separate limestone valley displays some of the best examples of wildlife habitat and geology in the White Peak. English Nature identified up to 30 different species of wildflower per square metre (!) in Hay Dale which adjoins the hamlet of Wheston. This ‘undiscovered’ gem is a place of tranquillity even on an August Bank holiday, but come in early Summer to see the wild early purple orchids in flower.  The Lathkill Dale dipper (below) is a local resident of the nearby National Nature Reserve.

Local artists who immortalise the landscape and views include  Martin Decent, whereas local resident Karen Frenkle has achieved national acclaim with her early morning views of the Peak District through the seasons. She is also a tutor at one of the regular digital photographic courses, about which we would be pleased to provide details.

Why not try to capture on canvas the pheasants that live in the grounds...or the squirrels at breakfast !