Burton Closes

Burton Closes is a country house in Bakewell built with deeply-coursed tooled sandstone walls and slate roofs arranged in a U-shape around a central entrance courtyard. The structure combines solid masonry with refined ashlar dressings that frame the windows and doors.

This house was built in 1848 for a Quaker banker from Derby seeking to establish his presence in the region. It underwent major expansions during the 1850s that brought together local craftsmen with prominent Victorian designers.

The name Burton Closes refers to the enclosed courtyards that define the house's layout and create a sheltered private space. This arrangement was common among wealthy households and shaped how residents moved through and used the property.

The building sits on Haddon Road and now operates as a nursing home, which means interior visits are typically not available to the public. The exterior facade can be admired from the street and clearly shows the impressive stonework and courtyard arrangement.

The interior design was shaped by two contrasting design minds: one brought solid craftsmanship expertise while the other was known for the delicate decorative elements found in his ecclesiastical work. This pairing created an unexpected mix of straightforward building craft and fine ornamental detail.