Hardwick New Hall

The compact New Hall provided lodgings for Bess of Hardwick and her important guests. It was used in conjunction with accommodation in the neighbouring Old Hall and in separate service buildings. Unlike the Old Hall, which seems to have incorporated the existing Hardwick manor house, the New Hall was built from scratch to a single design.The work was undertaken by Robert Smythson, a leading Elizabethan designer of  great houses, whose family later worked for Bess's son at Bolsover Castle. The tall symmetrical house with classical details and huge windows is typical of Smythson's architecture. A central two-storeyed great hall, flanked by the kitchen and other service rooms, leads to a wide stone staircase which winds dramatically to Bess's own suite and continues up to huge top-floor rooms for entertaining visitors. From the topmost windows and the roof above are panoramic views of the original walled gardens and the deer park beyond.