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Estate plans to turn historic farm into spa hotel

Danielle Andrews
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Google Maps The image shows the entrance to a large yard with several sand-coloured brick buildings in the background. The one on the right, a two-storey building, is the largest and longest, while the one in the middle is the smallest with a small tower peaking out behind it.Google Maps
Plans have been submitted to convert several buildings at Home Farm in Wentworth

A number of redundant farm buildings on a historic country estate could be converted into holiday cottages and a hotel with a spa, swimming pool and restaurant.

The Fitzwilliam Estate has submitted plans to restore the semi-derelict Home Farm in the village of Wentworth to Rotherham Council.

Developers said they hoped the scheme would "enhance" the experience for visitors to nearby Wentworth Woodhouse, which is owned separately by a preservation trust.

Trust chief executive Sarah McLeod said the plans would create job opportunities and economically regenerate the area.

The proposal involves a number of listed buildings associated with the estate, the Local Democracy Service reports.

The Threshing Barn would become hotel accommodation and a spa and cafe would be created.

BBC/Katie Galbraith A large stately home made of pale sandstone with the central section featuring a grand portico supported by tall Corinthian columns. Above the columns is a triangular pediment, decorated with carved stone details.BBC/Katie Galbraith
The trust which looks after nearby Wentworth Woodhouse has welcomed the plans

The Gun Park building would be restored and transformed into a restaurant, while the Potting Sheds and Cart Sheds would be converted into hotel suites.

The Powerhouse, which dates from 1904 and once provided electricity to Wentworth Woodhouse, would be converted into an events and wedding venue.

Documents submitted to Rotherham Council state the development would include new parking provision as well as a secondary access route through Granny Clarke's Wood.

'Boost for local economy'

Ms McLeod OBE told the BBC: "The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust supports the planning proposal that has been submitted by our neighbour as it provides suitable car parking for visitors to the area, thus avoiding street parking within the historic village which has always been a concern to residents.

"We believe visitors to Wentworth Woodhouse will visit from further afield and stay longer, spending more money in the area and thus boosting the local economy."

The Fitzwilliam family, who once owned Wentworth Woodhouse, sold the house and grounds in the 1980s but retained ownership of a number of farms and properties.

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust acquired the ancestral home of the Earls Fitzwilliam in 2017, with the Georgian mansion in a semi-derelict state at the time.

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