England - Yorkshire to Peak District

The Grotto is something we found a little unusual. It was designed around 1810 and was a typical feature of landscaping at this time. The Estate was run by a once esteemed family with many servants but over generations they became more reclusive until there was just 1 family member with 6 servants. As with many things at Calke Abbey, this meant the pleasure grounds as well as the Grotto were left to decline.