Thornseat Lodge: Developers respond to concerns over condition of steel baron's magnificent hunting lodge
Developers have responded to concerns over the condition of a magnificent moorland hunting lodge earmarked for redevelopment.
Thornseat Lodge near Bradfield was built in 1855 for Sidney Jessop, son of the founder of Sheffield steel-making firm William Jessop and Sons.
The property is on Mortimer Road above Dale Dyke Reservoir near Bradfield and has stood empty for 45 years.
Today it is owned by the Hague family. They were granted permission for a £5m wedding venue and holiday accommodation in 2023.
At the time, a representative told planners: “The building is in a critical state now and the family is keen to get going.”
But recent photos appear to show work has yet to start and a major section of the building missing.
A Star reader raised concerns, claiming part of the building appeared to have “collapsed”.
But Rachel Hague, of MHH Contracting, said the lodge was in the very early stages of restoration and some walls have had to be “temporarily dismantled.”
Stones had been numbered and recorded to enable a rebuild following stabilisation work, she explained.
She added: “The next chapter of Thornseat Lodge has now begun, with construction taking place on the site of the former stable block to form a purpose built wedding venue to hold events for up to 200 guests, along with a chapel for celebrant conducted (non religious) ceremonies to be held.
“The complex will have on-site guest parking in the woodland to the rear, including provision for disabled guests, and those using electric cars will be able to charge these while on site.
“The original lodge building, first constructed by the Jessop family will be fully restored to its Victorian glory including such elements as the provision of bespoke bronze windows, carefully crafted hardwood joinery throughout, the recreation of historical internal cornicing and moulding and skirting and architrave features to offer luxury guest accommodation for the bride and groom and their guests.
“The lodge itself is in the very early stages of restoration, and some walls have had to be temporarily dismantled, with the stones carefully numbered and their pattern recorded to enable their rebuild, following stabilisation works.
“The works are the subject of an archaeological watching brief, a formal program of observation and investigation conducted during operations, like construction or groundworks, where historical remains might be disturbed or destroyed.”
The venue was set to open in spring 2029, she added.
The building passed through four generations before being sold to Sheffield Corporation in 1934 and used as a children’s home. It was last used in 1980.