STATELY HOMES & GARDENS OF THE WEST COUNTRY

You will be picked up at 8.00am from Cobham in Surrey* and we then drive by executive coach to Buscot Park in Oxfordshire, the family home of Lord Faringdon who looks after the property on behalf of the National Trust. The consultant curator will introduce us to the house and talk to us about the family’s outstanding private collection known as the Faringdon Collection, comprising pictures, drawings, furniture and objets d’art. This includes masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s portrait of Pieter Six and Rossetti’s portrait of Pandora. Lord Faringdon’s great-grandfather commissioned Harold Peto to design a famous Italianate water garden, much in keeping with the Italian influence found in the Palladian architecture of Buscot Park, and there will be time to enjoy the gardens after our tour. Coffee/tea will be served before our visits commence, and both the house and gardens will be closed to the public during our private visit.

We then drive to Lydiard Park, another exceptional Palladian property whose history can be traced back to the medieval period. It was the home of the St John family for 500 years, who acquired it when Oliver St John married its owner Margaret Beauchamp, who would through a later marriage become grandmother to Henry VII. A private light buffet lunch (included) will be served on arrival, after which there will be a guided tour of the house and then time to explore the restored Georgian walled garden and park at leisure.

We also make a stop in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Bibury, once described by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England”. There will be some free time to stroll through the village, perhaps visiting the famous trout farm or stopping to admire the cottages in Arlington Row, built in 1380 then converted into weavers’ cottages in the 17th century. Afternoon tea or coffee (optional) at the famous Swan Hotel has been booked for those who would like to join the group.

We then check in to Sudbury House in nearby Faringdon, an elegant and recently refurbished 4-star hotel which extends a warm and friendly welcome to its guests. All rooms are comfortable and spacious and equipped with tea and coffee making facilities. Single rooms are doubles based on single occupancy. After some time to rest, a 3-course dinner with wine (included) is served.

DAY 2: SATURDAY 16 JUNE

After breakfast we depart at 9.15 for Corsham Court, a magnificent privately owned historic house which boasts an exceptional art collection including masterpieces such as Sofonisba Anguissola’s portrait of her sisters and brother, an Annunciation by Fra Filippo Lippi and an intriguing allegorical portrait of Queen Elizabeth I. The current owner of Corsham is descended from Sir Paul Methuen (1672 – 1757), a distinguished diplomat and ambassador who amassed the initial nucleus of the collection including many notable Flemish, Dutch and French paintings. Corsham Court was acquired specifically for his godson in 1745 and then extended in order to display the paintings more advantageously. 

Our private visits continue with an exclusive opening of Great Chalfield Manor and Gardens. We will be welcomed by its delightful owners Robert and Patsy Floyd who manage both the house and garden for the National Trust. After a seated lunch with wine in the splendid Great Hall we will have a guided tour followed by time to explore at leisure.

Orignially built in the mid 15^th century for Thomas Tropenell who made his money as a clothier, the property was expanded and altered in the 19^th century and then again at the turn of the century under Major Robert Fuller (grandfather of the current owner) under the guidance of Sir Harold Brakspear. The gardens, orchards and water features were designed at the same time by Alfred Parsons on Arts and Crafts principles and are lovingly maintained today by horticultural expert Patsy Floyd. The house may look familiar as it has appeared in many films and television dramas including The Other Boleyn Girl, Wolf Hall and Poldark.

We return to Cobham in the afternoon and should arrive home by 6.30.

* For those for whom Cobham is not so convenient and wishing to join us en route, there will be an optional pick-up on Friday from the Sudbury House Hotel before we arrive at Buscot Park. You will then be able to leave your car at the hotel and join us in the coach for the itinerary on Day 1, then follow us by car on Day 2. Please let us know when booking if you prefer to select this option as we will need to make alternative arrangements with you.