A 16th century mansion which has been home to a Jesuit school for almost 90 years is set for a new chapter as a family home, after selling for £650,000 at auction this week.
Barlborough Hall, near Chesterfield, was sold this week by BTG Eddisons Property Auctions to a local entrepreneur, who plans to restore the Grade I-listed Elizabethan mansion and return it to use as a home for his family.
The 16,000 sq ft house dates from 1583 and was designed by Robert Smythson, the architect behind nearby Hardwick Hall and Wollaton Hall. It has been occupied by Mount St Mary’s College and Barlborough Hall School since 1939.
The new owner, who has a keen interest in history, has already made contact with the local authority and Barlborough Heritage Centre as he begins to explore plans to restore the historic property.
James Vandenbrook, director at BTG Eddisons Property Auctions, said: “We understand that the buyer hopes eventually to open Barlborough Hall to the public once the restoration is complete.
“He has told us that he is very interested in the history of the house and wants to restore it to its original glory, bringing it back to life as a home for his family. Although he admits he has no clear idea of the scale of the project he’s taking on yet, he says he’s very much looking forward to the challenge.”
Mr Vandenbrook added: “Barlborough Hall is an extraordinary property with more than four centuries of history behind it, so it is fantastic to see it going to a buyer who has a genuine passion for the building and its heritage. We hope this will be the beginning of a really positive new chapter for this wonderful house.”
Barlborough Hall was built for Sir Francis Rodes, a judge who took part in the trial of Mary Queen of Scots. It is set in around 14 acres of gardens, lawns and woodland, with the estate forming part of a Grade II registered park and garden.
The house was put up for auction after the closure of Mount St Mary’s College and Barlborough Hall School in 2025. The school went into administration in July last year, with other parts of the estate subsequently sold.
The property had a guide price of £550,000–£600,000 and sold for £650,000 in BTG Eddisons Property Auctions’ live stream auction this week.
BTG Eddisons Property Auctions is a national property auction business formed through the unification of the regional auction brands Pugh, SDL Property Auctions, Mark Jenkinson and Network Auctions. It offers a wide range of residential and commercial property and land at auction to buyers across the UK.