Photo: Stoneleigh Abbey by Snowmanradio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stoneleigh Abbey is a Grade I listed historic house in Warwickshire, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Stoneleigh Abbey
Stoneleigh Abbey stands near Kenilworth in Warwickshire, built on the site of a Cistercian abbey founded in 1154.
The Grade I listed mansion comprises a Jacobean range in red sandstone and a Baroque west wing designed by Francis Smith of Warwick.
Jane Austen stayed here in 1806 as a guest of her mother's Leigh family cousins.
Guided tours take visitors through both halves of the building, each built in a different century and style.
History of Stoneleigh Abbey
Cistercian monks founded the original abbey in 1154. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries the site passed into private hands, eventually coming to the Leigh family, who held it for generations. The surviving Jacobean range in red sandstone was later joined by a Baroque west wing, added in the early 18th century under Francis Smith of Warwick. The grounds were later landscaped by Humphry Repton, with designs recorded in his hand-painted Red Book.
Architecture of Stoneleigh Abbey
The house is Grade I listed and formed of two contrasting halves: an earlier Jacobean range built in red sandstone, and a later Baroque west wing designed by Francis Smith of Warwick.
Worth knowing
Jane Austen stayed at Stoneleigh Abbey in 1806 through her mother's family connection to the Leighs.
Gardens & grounds at Stoneleigh Abbey
The grounds were landscaped by Humphry Repton, with designs recorded in his hand-painted Red Book, including views of the house across the River Avon.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Stoneleigh Abbey
Nearest station: Kenilworth Rail Station (1.7 miles)
Places to visit near Stoneleigh Abbey
Packington Hall
View Packington Hall on heritage mapPackwood House
View Packwood House on heritage mapCharlecote Park
View Charlecote Park on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Stoneleigh Abbey there are 2 historic properties, including 1 castle and 1 monastery, across English Heritage and National Trust sites.
Within 10 miles of Stoneleigh Abbey there are 6 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings, across National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Stoneleigh Abbey there are 25 historic properties, including 11 historic houses, 5 historic buildings and 4 churchs, across Historic Houses, National Trust and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Facts
A Jacobean and Baroque mansion built over a vanished abbey, where Jane Austen stayed in 1806.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Warwickshire, England
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