Upper House, Kinder Road, Hayfield, High Peak is a farmstead/hunting lodge located in Derbyshire which was owned by the Watts family during Agatha Christie's time. It is located just 14 miles from Abney Hall which also belonged to the Watts. Agatha Christie stayed at both Abney Hall and Upper House on several occasions when she went north to visit her sister Madge. Also nearby is the town of Marple, said to have been Christie's inspiration for the name of her famous female detective.
Upper House is located in an area of moorland called Kinder Scout near the Kinder Reservoir. According to historical records, the house has existed since the 14th century at first owned by the Kinder family and then with various owners including at one time the Knights Templar and Hospitallers. Sir James Watt acquired the Kinder estate in the mid-19th century. Some of the land around Upper House was later sold to a water authority for the creation of a reservoir but Sir James insisted on retaining Upper House as a shooting lodge. Sir James married and had five children, the eldest of whom was James Watts who married Madge, Agatha Christie's elder sister. The two James remodelled Upper House extensively and much of the present day structure dates from their time. Agatha Christie stayed at Upper House and used it as a refuge on various occasions. In 2015, Researcher Georgia Hudson discovered a photograph of Agatha Christie at Upper House.[1] It is possible that Upper House served as the inspiration for The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge.[2]
The house is still in use today, having been restored by one of the former owners. It serves as an events venue which can be rented for large house parties and weddings. A smaller part of the house is also listed for rental on AirBnb.
References[]
External links[]
- Website of Upper House - includes a detail history with extensive notes on the links of the house with Agatha Christie to the house and also the area in general.
- Jessica Dallison, "This ‘fascinating’ £3m Peak District former hunting lodge has a ‘spectacular’ medieval great hall and connections to Agatha Christie," Derbyshire Times, 26 Oct 2020. URL.
- Property listing for Upper House - this recent property sale listing for the house includes useful information as well as a floor plan. If link goes dead, try this Archive URL.
- AirBnb listing for "Shooting Lodge at Upper House estate"