Hoarcross, as it was then called, was enclosed like the nearby Chartley Park from Needwood Forest. Unlike Chartley Park, Hoarcross survived without significant development. Today it is surrounded by agricultural land, still nestled in the hills of the ancient Needwood Forest (now part of the National Forest) but now become a notably affluent part of the East Staffordshire borough.
The eight extensive ornate partitioned gardens of Hoar Cross Hall once rivalled those of nearby Trentham, and maintained an extensive staff of gardeners in the early decades of the 20th century. Today this 19th century mansion is a hotel and health spa, situated 1⁄2-mile (0.80 km) to the west of Hoar Cross village.[2]