Another one that has been done to death but had to check it out while in the area, photos definitely do not do this one any justice, walking up the drive and seeing it had gave me goosebumps, what a hauntingly beautiful building, I actually prefer the natural decay and love seeing how places have changed over the years through reports on here. Was pleased to find the cellar still accessible too!
bit of history as I’m sure you all know it by now
In 1848, local landowner Francis Hurt constructed a house of Ashover Grit sandstone behind his iron forge at Ambergate. This house was initially planned to house his four unmarried daughters in order to free up his main seat of Alderwasley Hall for his male heir. However, they refused and a much grander house called Chase Cliffe was constructed near Crich, Derbyshire. It was then decided to lease the forge with the house used as accommodation.
The forge was run by various smiths but in 1876 it was purchased by the Richard Johnson and Nephew wire company of Manchester and a wireworks was established on the site of the forge. The house was retained by the Hurt family until 1888 when it was purchased by The Midland Railway with their architect Charles Trubshaw extending the house for the chief engineer. Also built at this time were a range of stone stables situated just north of the house.
In 1893, the house was purchased by Thewlis Johnson and it was extended further in 1894 by architect John Douglas in the neo-Jacobean Arts and Crafts style for which it is best known locally. Between 1924 and 1939, the house was used as a retreat for the local diocese. The house is described as a "fair-sized country mansion" with "accommodation for twenty four" and a "large room being converted to a comely chapel".
With the post-war housing crisis, Oakhurst House was unceremoniously divided into twelve flats during 1945. However, during the 1970s with the deteriorating condition of the building and an increase in local council housing the residents were found alternative accommodation. Since then, the house has remained unoccupied and is now derelict.
In 1994 permission was granted to demolish the house as it was beyond repair, however the permission has now expired and no demolition has taken place. Oakhurst is being reclaimed by nature piece by piece.
All photos taken on iPhone 11 Pro Max
bit of history as I’m sure you all know it by now
In 1848, local landowner Francis Hurt constructed a house of Ashover Grit sandstone behind his iron forge at Ambergate. This house was initially planned to house his four unmarried daughters in order to free up his main seat of Alderwasley Hall for his male heir. However, they refused and a much grander house called Chase Cliffe was constructed near Crich, Derbyshire. It was then decided to lease the forge with the house used as accommodation.
The forge was run by various smiths but in 1876 it was purchased by the Richard Johnson and Nephew wire company of Manchester and a wireworks was established on the site of the forge. The house was retained by the Hurt family until 1888 when it was purchased by The Midland Railway with their architect Charles Trubshaw extending the house for the chief engineer. Also built at this time were a range of stone stables situated just north of the house.
In 1893, the house was purchased by Thewlis Johnson and it was extended further in 1894 by architect John Douglas in the neo-Jacobean Arts and Crafts style for which it is best known locally. Between 1924 and 1939, the house was used as a retreat for the local diocese. The house is described as a "fair-sized country mansion" with "accommodation for twenty four" and a "large room being converted to a comely chapel".
With the post-war housing crisis, Oakhurst House was unceremoniously divided into twelve flats during 1945. However, during the 1970s with the deteriorating condition of the building and an increase in local council housing the residents were found alternative accommodation. Since then, the house has remained unoccupied and is now derelict.
In 1994 permission was granted to demolish the house as it was beyond repair, however the permission has now expired and no demolition has taken place. Oakhurst is being reclaimed by nature piece by piece.
All photos taken on iPhone 11 Pro Max
