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The elegant stone hall, part 17th century but with fine provincial 18th century faade, is famous as the home of Queen Victoria's prime minister, Lord Melbourne and for its outstanding garden built in the early 18th century in the style of Andre Le Notre. The house contains a grandly carved staircase and fine Stuart portraits and pictures by Lely and Dahl.
Features: The gardens, begun in 1704, are a rare survival of that period. The outline of the flat parterre fronting the south faade still exists, while fishponds were shaped into a Great Basin. The wrought iron arbour by Robert Bakewell of Derby, the Four Seasons Vase by Van Nost, and the yew tunnels are outstanding. Ten acres form the Grove, modelled probably on Versailles, and a romantic echo of the past.
Hall: Aug only (not first 3 Mons) 2-5pm. Last admission 4.15pm. Gardens: 1 Apr-30 Sept: Weds, Sats, Suns, BH Mons, 1.30-5.30pm. Additional open days possible in August, please telephone for details.
Please contact the property for up to date opening times
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