Englefield House

About this place

Englefield House stands in its own deer park near Reading in Berkshire, its Elizabethan core largely rebuilt in the 1850s by Richard Armstrong.

The house is Grade II* listed, with its formal gardens and parkland registered separately at Grade II.

Historic Houses members can visit free of charge.

The grounds run down to a lake, with views across the surrounding park.

History

A garden inscription on the estate quotes a 1601 letter from Sir Edward Norris, then occupier of Englefield House, showing the grounds were already being tended over four centuries ago. The formal garden terraces with stone balustrades date from around the 1850s. In 1936 a woodland garden was cut into the hillside above the house.

Architecture

The house dates originally from the late sixteenth century but was largely rebuilt in the 1850s under Richard Armstrong, giving it much of its present appearance. It is Grade II* listed, along with its adjoining entrance courtyard.

Worth knowing

The estate has long been associated with the Benyon family. The property welcomes school groups to the gardens.

Gardens & grounds

The gardens include a stream-fed woodland planted with rhododendron, magnolia and davidia, as well as a walled kitchen garden. The grounds run down to a lake.

Facilities