Bennetston Hall

from Gallimaufry –

Bennetston Hall was built in the late Nineteenth Century by local doctor and property speculator Robert Ottiwell Gifford Bennett MD (1834 – 1902). The Hall was originally the home of the writer Mrs Coddington, a descendant of William Coddington, the 17th Century governor of Rhode Island and founder of Newport, Rhode Island – Bennett himself is not known to have ever lived here. The Coddington family descendants include Grace Coddington, creative director of American Vogue magazine.

Robert Bennett MD was a prominent local doctor who also gave his name to Buxton’s Bennett Street. Bennett was an ancestor of the Rev. J. Bennett, founder of the Methodist Society and associate of the Rev. John Wesley, founder of Wesleyan Methodism.

The property was acquired by the YHA and became a Youth Hostel. Since the Second World War Bennetston Hall has been at various times over the years a private dwelling, a nightclub and a hotel.

For decades however, the Hall was at the centre of a long running legal row, ending up with the premises at one stage being owned by the Legal Aid Board.

It fell into a state of neglect and disrepair, being badly damaged by fire in the mid 1980’s.

Now named Chimp Manor, ultimately, it will be the home of Chimp Management Ltd whose aim is to lovingly restore Bennetston Hall, bringing it back to its former glory. It will also be their Headquarters to a wide selection of conferences and workshops, which will be open to the general public, with rooms and facilities available for community groups.

to quote their website –

The Coach House, which nestles quietly behind Bennetston Hall is now in the final stages of restoration. It has been designed to be used as a ‘retreat’ to learn about the human mind as well as helping people to understand themselves better.

The secluded dwelling hosts 8-ensuite bedrooms, it caters for disabled guests and has ample parking. It also hosts a large therapy room with views overlooking the Peak District. We look forward to sharing details of our forthcoming events aimed at helping individuals and small groups at The Coach House.