Background
Cromford Court was originally built in 1907 as a home for Mr J T W Lawton, who was works manager of Masson Mills, which is sited opposite. It has a number of interesting architectural features, including its chimney stacks.
In 1978, the building was bought by The New Tribes Mission, which successfully applied to change its use from a hotel to a residential missionary training unit and Bible school. Prior to this, it is understood that the building was a hotel at some point.While in the mission’s ownership, it added the annex to accommodate students.
The mission left Cromford Court in 1999
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/business/cromford-court-matlock-bath-hotel-1447199
The design of the mansion was entrusted to a gentleman who came from Manchester, who ensured that the residence was equipped with all modern amenities, including a bathroom for nearly every bedroom. During its construction importance was given to ensuring high standards of luxury, whihc must have been a costly venture . The mansion was completed in 1901 and Mr Lawton lived their himself until around 1910.
John Edward Lawton evidently had aimed to create an impressive residence, as evidenced by the fact that the house boasted over 20 bedrooms by 1911, a number that increased when bathrooms were repurposed into additional bedrooms for its use as a Holiday accommodations. Reports from 1917 indicated that the property contained over 30 bed and dressing rooms, with the total eventually rising to 56. However, by the time the property was auctioned in 2018, the main house had been reduced to just 25 bedrooms.
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