Stately Homes
The magnificent stately homes that decorate our country’s landscape represent a world of decadence, luxury and nobility that many of us will never know. Predominantly built between the mid- sixteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century, they were the ultimate status symbol for the great families of Britain and and provided the perfect setting to entertain aristocratic, noble and esteemed guests.
The phrase stately home is a quotation from the poem The Homes of England by Felicia Hemans, which was originally published in Blackwood's Magazine in 1827.
Inside Britain’s Jacobean houses
Built as a celebration and demonstration of wealth, with sophisticated symmetry and grand entrance halls, elaborate carvings and complex decoration Read More »
Woburn Abbey
A house fit for royalty, a wartime hospital, the home to a remarkable collection of art and a stunning example of Palladian architectural style Read More »
History of Syon House
Less than 10 miles from central London lies Syon House – a beacon of tranquillity and one of Britain’s best preserved stately homes. Read More »
Behind the scenes at Parham House
Lady Emma Barnard, the chatelaine of Parham House and Gardens, takes time to show us around her stunning stately home in the heart of Sussex Read More »
The Real Downton Abbey: Highclere Castle
The Earl of Carnarvon has welcomed cameras back into his home, Highclere Castle, for a further series Read More »
Furniture figures
From cabinets to couches, masterpieces created by Britain’s greatest designers adorn the finest homes worldwide. But where did it all start? Read More »
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the official London home of the British monarch since 1837 Read More »
The UK’s Mightiest Mansions
Power houses are redolent of the ambition and achievements of their creators. Some of the most luxurious and imposing are now cared for by the National Trust. Siân Evans chooses some of her favourite grand houses.
The best stately homes in Britain
Britain has a wealth of historic buildings, many of which are used as sets for filming period dramas for film and television. Here is our pick of the best Read More »
Dreaming up inspiration at Chenies Manor Gardens
“Beautifully mellow under the trees by the church, and archaeologically a fascinating puzzle,” said architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner, of Chenies Manor House. This Grade I listed building in Buckinghamshire was built in 1480, and has records dating back to as early as 1180.
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| Chenies Sunken Garden |
Beautifully mellow would be a good way to describe the gardens here, too, although they are a much more modern addition. The estate came into the possession of the MacLeod Matthews family in 1950, and they are overseeing the on-going restoration of the manor house, and the glorious re-creation of its gardens.
Much of the garden’s charm today can be attributed to the hard work of Elizabeth MacLeod Matthews, famous for her unique pairings and groupings of flowers. If you visit in mid spring, you will find a carpet of 7,000 tulips, arranged by colour: white and palest yellow in the White Garden; red, oranges and yellows in the South Border; and a single striking block colour in the Rose Garden.
In summer, there are tranquil white and silver flowers in the White Garden, a mass of scented flowering shrubs in the Rose Gardens, and an intricate yew maze in the Parterre. Such variety and thematic organization makes it clear why Chenies Manor won the Historic Houses Association and Christie’s Garden of the Year 2009 Award.
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| Chenies’ Inner Garden |
It’s also why we find it such an inspiring place to visit. The imaginative colour themes and gorgeous plant associations make this a wonderfully peaceful place to relax and dream up new horticultural ideas.
The Plant and Garden Fair on 17 July might be of particular interest if you are looking to get your own garden looking just as good. Here you’ll find gardening and plant advice, pottery, sculpture, tools and accessories.
Visit the website www.cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk to find out more about this 12th-century gem.
