Calke Abbey is a baroque mansion, situated near Derby, whose construction began in 1701. Set in a stunning landscape park, it has become famous as a graphic illustration of the English country house in decline.
Little restored, the house contains the spectacular natural history collection of the Harpur Crewe family, as well as a magnificent 18th-century state bed and interiors that are essentially unchanged since the 1880s. The open parkland is managed for its nature conservation value and the attractive grounds feature a beautiful walled garden, including a flower garden, physic garden and Auricula Theatre as well as an interesting collection of garden buildings.
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