Some two miles north of Hutton le Hole on Spaunton Moor, in the valley of Hutton Beck, lies Spaunton Lodge, founded as a shooting lodge.
Built in 1770, it was considerably extended in 1870 for the Darley family who were wealthy landowners. It is now a protected listed building because of it's architectural merit.
It lies in a secluded spot and is surrounded by a belt of woodland on three sides, with an open view only to the south. It is surrounded by many miles of moorland, maintained and used for grouse shooting.
Thank you all for your comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
Can I stress that I am not involved in hunting at all - I've seen the racks of dead grouse after a successful shoot and that was enough to put me off the idea. However, this moor would not be what it is without the work the landowners put into maintaining it for the grouse, and I would regret the loss of heather moorland if that work wasn't done.
I don't know who owns Spaunton Lodge and surrounding moorland now - it's even possible it could still be the Darley family. They can trace their family history back for 1000 years!
I would love to have a look round this interesting building, but there are warning signs around the paddock area that make it quite clear that I and other walkers would not be welcome!
fav
Thank you all for your comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
Can I stress that I am not involved in hunting at all - I've seen the racks of dead grouse after a successful shoot and that was enough to put me off the idea. However, this moor would not be what it is without the work the landowners put into maintaining it for the grouse, and I would regret the loss of heather moorland if that work wasn't done.
I don't know who owns Spaunton Lodge and surrounding moorland now - it's even possible it could still be the Darley family. They can trace their family history back for 1000 years!
I would love to have a look round this interesting building, but there are warning signs around the paddock area that make it quite clear that I and other walkers would not be welcome!
Ian
Ian