Known most recently for its starring role as Trenwith in the BBC’s latest adaptation of Poldark, Chavenage House is a charming Cotswold Manor House near the market town of Tetbury.
Now the private home of the Lowsley-Williams family, this Elizabethan manor, constructed of mellow grey Cotswold stone, makes for a lovely afternoon visit in a beautiful countryside setting.
The Chavenage Estate once belonged to Princess Goda, the sister of Edward the Confessor. Over the years it passed into the hands of Thomas Seymour (husband of Henry VIII’s widow, Queen Katherine Parr) before being seized by the Crown. The current house was built by Edward Stephens in 1576 and played a role in the English Civil War, leading to some fascinating myths, legends and ghostly tales.
A guided tour of the house, which will most likely be led by one of the Lowsley-Williams family, will reveal many fine 17th century tapestries, furnishings, pictures and weaponry from the era of Oliver Cromwell. Much of the house has little changed over the last 400 years and the Great Hall is particularly impressive. It is said that Cromwell himself once slept in one of the tapestry rooms.
Chavenage House is a popular filming location and, in addition to Poldark, it has featured in Dracula, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Wolf Hall and Lark Rise to Candleford. It will also feature in the forthcoming film, Emma, starring Anya Taylor-Joy.
We recommend you combine a visit to Chavenage with a visit to the beautiful Cotswold town of Tetbury or the nearby town of Nailsworth, both home to some lovely cafes and independent shops. Chavenage House opens to the public on Thursdays and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm between 1st May and 30th September plus Bank Holidays. Admission includes a guided tour (payable by cash or cheque only).
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in the Cotswolds here.
Chavenage House, Tetbury Glouestershire GL8 8XP | 01666 502 329 | http://www.chavenage.com
Images copyright Chavenage
