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.
Lambourn,
Newbury,
Berkshire,
England, RG17 8RE
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. Garden: There are small pleasure gardens gracing this Palladian mansion, but be sure to leave time in your visit to stroll some of the woodland paths through these 400 acres of grounds.
Lower Basildon,
Reading,
Berkshire,
England, RG8 9NR
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
Englefield House is a superb Elizabethan mansion, with 18th and 19th century remodelling. The house is built loosely on the traditional Elizabethan E-plan, though there is much asymmetry about the design. No one seems sure quite when the house was built, but it is likely that the house actually predates the Elizabethan period. The Englefield family goes back vastly further; they are thought to have been lords of the manor here since the 9th century.
Englefield,
Reading,
Berkshire,
England, RG7 5EN
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). Garden: Huge cedars grace the parklands designed by 'Capability Brown'. Walled gardens, Victorian yew walks, orangery and fernery.
Highclere Park,
Newbury,
Berkshire,
England, RG20 9RN
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.
Mapledurham,
Reading,
Berkshire,
England, RG4 7TR
A lovely Grade-I listed Elizabethan mansion built in 1581 by a wealthy clothing merchant from Newbury named Thomas Dolman. The house was passed down through six generations of Dolmans between 1554 and 1728. during this time visitors to Shaw included several kings and queens on their royal progress around the country as well as courtiers travelling from London to Bath. It was later owned by the high-flying Duke of Chandos and the Andrews and Farquhar families.
Church Road,
Newbury,
Berkshire,
England, RG14 2DR
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
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,
Taplow,
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
England, SL6 0ER
Located 5 minutes walk from Reading town centres restaurants, shops and bars. All of our rooms have ensuites, 21 televisions with digibox, hair dryers, direct dial telephones and internet access and generous welcome trays with snacks. Some rooms have mini fridges. Choice of either a full English breakfast or a … more >>
Whether on business or simply visiting the area, Donnington House Hotel offers high standards of accommodation at competitive rates. Centrally located close to Reading town centre with easy access to many of Readings attractions and business parks. more >>
