Alscot Park

About this place

Grade I listed Alscot Park is a Rococo Gothic country house in Preston on Stour, Warwickshire, roughly three miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Built during the mid-18th century for James West, a politician and antiquary, it represents a style that was fashionable for a short period and survives here in unusually complete form.

The house stands within 4,000 acres of park and farmland, itself Grade II listed, through which the River Stour runs.

Alscot Park is a member property of Historic Houses.

History

The house was built for James West during the mid-18th century. West was a politician and antiquary, and the choice of Rococo Gothic reflected the fashionable picturesque taste of that period. Several features of the original estate, including a Chinese pavilion and an obelisk, have since been lost.

Architecture

Built of limestone ashlar to a T-shaped plan with a hipped slate roof, the house presents a two-storey frontage of seven bays. The Rococo Gothic style sets it apart from the more prevalent Palladian houses of the same period.

Worth knowing

The original estate once included a Chinese pavilion, an obelisk, and pleasure grounds. All three have since disappeared, making them known only through historical records.

Gardens & grounds

The 4,000-acre park and farmland, through which the River Stour runs, is listed at Grade II in its own right.