Photo source: Camfield, J H, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Camfield Place is a historic house in Hertfordshire, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Camfield Place
Camfield Place stands near Hatfield in Hertfordshire, on the site of a manor first recorded in the thirteenth century.
The current building dates from 1867, when it was rebuilt in the Italianate style by Edmund Potter, grandfather of the author Beatrix Potter.
Dame Barbara Cartland later made the house her home, designing its interiors herself.
The grounds were laid out by Capability Brown and include the oak beneath which Cartland is buried.
The house is cared for by Historic Houses and opens by appointment only.
History of Camfield Place
The manor was rebuilt in 1867 by Edmund Potter, grandfather of the author Beatrix Potter, who called Camfield the place she loved best. Lord and Lady Queenborough made further additions in the early twentieth century, including an external wooden panelled portico. Dame Barbara Cartland took on the house afterwards, and her family has lived there for more than seventy years. Cartland is buried in the grounds beneath an ancient oak.
Architecture of Camfield Place
The 1867 rebuild gave the house its Italianate character under Edmund Potter, with later alterations by Lord and Lady Queenborough adding a wooden panelled portico to the exterior.
Worth knowing
Beatrix Potter spent time at Camfield as a child through her grandfather Edmund Potter and named it as her favourite place. Dame Barbara Cartland lived and wrote at Camfield and is buried in the grounds.
Gardens & grounds at Camfield Place
The grounds include vistas laid out by Capability Brown and a walk to the ancient oak marking Dame Barbara Cartland's resting place.
Plan your visit to Camfield Place
Nearest station: Welham Green Rail Station (2.1 miles)
Open by appointment only; check official website for tour availability.
Admission
Historic Houses members must pay for entry
Places to visit near Camfield Place
Shaw's Corner
View Shaw's Corner on heritage mapSt Albans Roman Wall
View St Albans Roman Wall on heritage mapWaltham Abbey Church
View Waltham Abbey Church on heritage mapWoodhall Park
View Woodhall Park on heritage mapVerulamium
View Verulamium on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 10 miles of Camfield Place there are 12 historic properties, including 7 historic houses and 2 archaeological sites, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Camfield Place there are 62 historic properties, including 31 historic houses, 6 churchs and 4 archaeological sites, across Historic Houses, English Heritage and National Trust sites.
Stay nearby
Make more of your visit with an overnight stay near Camfield Place.
Find places to stay nearby Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.Facts
A house shaped by Beatrix Potter's grandfather and later turned into Barbara Cartland's romantic stage.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Hertfordshire, England
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