Location

Lutterworth, Leicestershire

M1/J18 6m, M1/J19 (from/to the N only) 2m, M6 exit/access at A14/M1(N)J 2m, A14 2m.

History

Stanford has been the home of the Cave family, ancestors of the present owner, Lady Braye, since 1430. In the 1690s, Sir Roger Cave commissioned the Smiths of Warwick to pull down the old Manor House and build the present Hall, which is an excellent example of their work and of the William and Mary period.

As well as over 5000 books, the handsome Library contains many interesting manuscripts, the oldest dating from 1150. The splendid pink and gold Ballroom has a fine coved ceiling with four trompe lÕoeil shell corners. Throughout the house are portraits of the family and examples of furniture and objects which they collected over the centuries. There is also a collection of Royal Stuart portraits, previously belonging to the Cardinal Duke of York, the last of the male Royal Stuarts. An unusual collection of family costumes is displayed in the Old Dining Room, which also houses some early Tudor portraits and a fine Empire chandelier.

The Hall and Stables are set in an attractive Park on the banks of ShakespeareÕs Avon. There is a walled Rose Garden behind the Stables. An early ha-ha separates the North Lawn from the mile-long North Avenue.

Facilities & Amenities

Shop. Craft centre (most Suns), clay pigeon shoots, corporate incentive days, filming, photography, fashion shows, car and motorcycle club rallies most Sundays May - September. Parkland, Bluthner piano, fishing, helicopter landing area, lecture room. No photography in house.

Outside catering facilities available for special functions. Lunches, dinners and wedding receptions.

Disabled visitors may alight at the entrance. Disabled WC.

Homemade teas, lunch, and supper. Groups 70 max can book in advance.

Tour time: 3/4 hr in groups of approx 25.

School groups welcome. Guide provided by prior arrangement, nature trail with guide book and map, motorcycle museum.

Dogs allowed in park, on leads.