England
Berkshire

Berkshire Travel Guide - Historic Houses

Ashdown House Location map Lambourn, Berkshire An extraordinary Dutch-style 17th-century house perched on the Berkshire Downs and famous for its association with Elizabeth of Bohemia ('The Winter Queen'), Charles I's sister, to whom the house was consecrated. The interior has an impressive great staircase rising from hall to attic and important paintings contemporary with the house. Spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and beautiful walks in the neighbouring Ashdown Woods. Newbury, Lambourn, Berkshire, England, RG17 8RE Location: 3 m N Lambourn, on B4000 Website: Ashdown House Email: ashdownhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01793 762 209 National Trust

Basildon Park Location map Lower Basildon, Berkshire This beautiful Palladian mansion was built in 1776-83. The interior is notable for its original delicate plasterwork and elegant staircase, as well as the unusual Octagon Room. The house fell on hard times early in the last century but was rescued and restored by Lord and Lady Iliffe, who filled it with fine pictures and furniture. The early 19th-century pleasure gardens are currently being restored and there are way-marked trails through the parkland. Reading, Lower Basildon, Berkshire, England, RG8 9NR Location: 2.5 m NW Pangbourne, on A329 Website: Basildon Park Email: basildonpark@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 0118 984 3040 Fax: 0118 976 7370 National Trust

Dorney Court Location map Windsor, Berkshire A rambling Tudor manor which has been the home of the Palmer family for over 450 years. The house showcases early family portraits, needlework, and works of art in an attractive set of Tudor and Elizabethan rooms. The galleried hall is especially attractive. Windsor, Berkshire, England, SL4 6QP Location: 2 m W Eton, off M4 at Junction 7 Website: Dorney Court Email: palmer@dorneycourt.co.uk Phone: 01628 604 638

Highclere Castle Location map Newbury, Berkshire Former Georgian house, home of the Earls of Caernarvon, remade by Charles Barry in exotic (or horrifying, depending upon your tastes) Victorian Gothic style. Ornate, opulent state rooms. Exhibit of Egyptian artefacts (the fifth Earl was an enthusiastic backer of Howard Carter, who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen). Highclere Park, Newbury, Berkshire, England, RG20 9RN Location: 5 m S Newbury, off A34 Website: Highclere Castle Email: theoffice@highclerecastle.co.uk Phone: 01635 253 210 Fax: 01635 255 315

Mapledurham House and Watermill Location map Mapledurham, Berkshire A superb manor with a long and fascinating history. Mapledurham estate goes back to the Domesday Book, but the current house is largely a product of the late 16th century. Sir Michael Blount began the house around 1588 and it was finished by his son Richard in 1612. Sir Charles Blount (c.1598-1655) fought for the king in the Civil War, and as a result Mapledurham was besieged and sacked by Parliamentary troops. Misfortune followed the family when Charles's son Michael was murdered by a footman in 1649. The interiors are largely Georgian and Victorian, with a wonderful, curving, Tudor staircase. Look for the carved animal heads; one of which represents a tale from Aesop. Reading, Mapledurham, Berkshire, England, RG4 7TR Location: 4 m NW Reading, 1.5 m W of A4074 Website: Mapledurham House and Watermill Email: enquiries@mapledurham.co.uk Phone: 0118 972 3350 Fax: 0118 972 4016

Stratfield Saye Location map Reading, Berkshire The gift of a grateful nation to the Duke of Wellington after Waterloo, a largely Jacobean house with Georgian additions. Much of the furnishings were installed by the Duke. Of interest: the tomb of the horse that carried Wellington at Waterloo. Reading, Berkshire, England, RG7 2BZ Location: 6.5 m NE Basingstoke, off A33 Website: Stratfield Saye Email: info@stratfield-saye.co.uk Phone: 01256 882 882 Fax: 01256 881 466

Taplow Court Location map Taplow, Berkshire A Victorian mansion with roots going back to the 11th century, Taplow was once owned by the monks of Merton Priory, and after the Dissolution of the Monasteries passed through several owners to the Earls and Countesses of Orkney. It was given its present French Gothic look by architect William Burn in the late 19th century. Today Taplow is owned by a lay Buddhist organization and operated as a study centre. There are regular public days when visitors are welcome to explore the house and learn about its history. Berry Hill, Maidenhead, Taplow, Berkshire, England, SL6 0ER Location: off M4 at Junction 7 Website: Taplow Court Phone: 01628 773 163 Fax: 01628 773 055