Imagine owning a piece of history—a grand mansion with a secret passage, whispers of scandal, and connections to some of Britain’s most fascinating figures. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this historic gem destined to remain a private home, or could it transform into a corporate hub? Either way, one thing’s certain—this isn’t just any property; it’s a £1.1 million journey through time.**
One of Derby’s most significant historic houses, the 18th-century Homestead in Spondon, has hit the market, and it’s anything but ordinary. Built between 1710 and 1736 for a local tanner, this three-storey masterpiece stayed in the same family for nearly 200 years—a rarity in today’s fast-paced world. But its story doesn’t end there. In 1920, it was sold to the company that became British Celanese, only to re-emerge in 1996 when Alan Rutherford turned it into a private home and boutique hotel. Since then, it’s been bought and sold multiple times, serving as a health and spa retreat, and most recently, a private investment. And this is the part most people miss: its secret passage, hidden behind a fireplace alcove, leads to a network of tunnels and a cellar—a feature that’s as intriguing as it is mysterious.
Beyond its clandestine corners, the Homestead boasts an impressive layout. The ground floor alone includes an entrance hallway, dining room, drawing room, sitting room, day room, and kitchen with a walk-in pantry. A side hall connects to an attached cottage and a second staircase leading to the first floor, where a galleried landing overlooks four bedrooms and a laundry room. The second floor offers additional bedrooms and access to the roof. Outside, a coach house—ripe for conversion, pending planning permission—adds to its charm. Both the cottage and coach house are Grade II listed, ensuring their preservation for generations.
Here’s where opinions might clash: while estate agents Everington and Ruddle suggest it could become 'prestigious corporate offices or consulting rooms,' others argue its historical significance demands a more private, respectful use. After all, this isn’t just any building—it’s Grade I listed, a designation reserved for structures of 'exceptional interest.' Renowned architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner praised it in his book Buildings of Derbyshire, and its residents have included Dr. James Cade, who married Anna, daughter of Derby artist Joseph Wright. Their great-granddaughter, Rowena Cade, founder of Cornwall’s iconic Minack Theatre, was born here. Even Sir Henry Fowler, chief engineer for the London Midland and Scottish Railway, called it home, and legend has it that famous potter Josiah Wedgwood married here in the 1760s.
But the Homestead’s past isn’t all grandeur. In 1918, it became the epicenter of a scandal involving Swiss brothers Henri and Camille Dreyfus, who were lured to Spondon by the British government but allegedly sold aircraft secrets to the Germans. Is this a tale of betrayal, or a reminder of the complexities of history?
Today, as this historic mansion seeks a new owner, it raises questions: Should such a property remain a private sanctuary, or does its potential as a corporate space outweigh its historical value? What would you do with a home that’s seen centuries of stories unfold within its walls? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
