Mercaston Hall is a 16th century timber framed

Timber framing

Timber framing , or half-timbering, also called in North America "post-and-beam" construction, is the method of creating structures using heavy squared off and carefully fitted and joined timbers with joints secured by large wooden pegs . It is commonplace in large barns...

 farmhouse near Ashbourne

Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Ashbourne is a small market town in the Derbyshire Dales, England. It has a population of 10,302.The town advertises itself as 'The Gateway to Dovedale'.- Local customs :...

, Derbyshire

Derbyshire

Derbyshire is a county in the East Midlands of England. A substantial portion of the Peak District National Park lies within Derbyshire. The northern part of Derbyshire overlaps with the Pennines, a famous chain of hills and mountains. The county contains within its boundary of approx...

, England. It is a Grade II listed building.

The Kniveton family owned Mercaston from the 14th century. They were Kniveton Baronets

Kniveton Baronets

The Kniveton Baronetcy, of Mercaston in the County of Derby, was a title in the Baronetage of England. It was created by King James I on 29 June 1611 for William Kniveton of Mercaston Hall, Muggington, Derbyshire. The family originated in the village of Kniveton, , from where their name derived...

 from 1611 and several members of the family served as High Sheriff

High Sheriff

A high sheriff is, or was, a law enforcement officer in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.In England and Wales, the office is unpaid and partly ceremonial, appointed by the Crown through a warrant from the Privy Council. In Cornwall, the High Sheriff is appointed by the Duke of...

 of Derbyshire.

The present modest structure, altered in the 19th century, is thought to occupy the site of a former larger property. The present owners offer bed and breakfast

Bed and breakfast

A bed and breakfast is a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast, but usually does not offer other meals. Since the 1980s, the meaning of the term has also extended to include accommodations that are also known as "self-catering" establishments...

accommodation.