Photo: Westonbirt House by engraver James Sparrow after James Robert Thompson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Westonbirt House is a Grade I listed historic house in Gloucestershire, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Westonbirt House
Robert Stayner Holford built Westonbirt House between 1863 and 1872 on his estate near Tetbury in Gloucestershire.
The architect Lewis Vulliamy designed the mansion in a neo-Elizabethan style, modelled on Wollaton Hall in Nottinghamshire.
Holford also laid out the surrounding gardens and planted the collection of trees that grew into what is now the National Arboretum.
The house and grounds are cared for by a registered charity.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Westonbirt House
The Holford family held Westonbirt from 1665 until 1926, replacing an earlier Elizabethan manor house first with a Georgian mansion and then with the present building. Robert Stayner Holford inherited the estate in 1839 and, in rebuilding the house, diverted the main road and relocated the estate village to suit his new design.
Architecture of Westonbirt House
The house is built of ashlar masonry with a rectangular main block featuring two tall storeys and an attic, tall corner towers and a five-storey centre tower, a lower wing to the east, a service courtyard, and an orangery to the west. The interiors are in a sumptuous classical style. It was fitted with advanced Victorian technology including gas lighting, central heating, fireproof construction and iron roofs, and is listed Grade I.
Worth knowing
Robert Holford's planting at Westonbirt grew into what is now Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, one of the most visited tree collections in Britain.
Gardens & grounds at Westonbirt House
Laid out by Robert Holford between 1830 and 1885 under the influence of the picturesque landscape style of William Sawrey Gilpin, the gardens move from formal terraces and lawns near the house into informal planting, with an Italian Garden, a Long Terrace, an ornamental lake and a rockery.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Westonbirt House
Nearest station: Kemble Rail Station (9 miles)
Admission
Free entry to Historic Houses members (show valid membership card)
Places to visit near Westonbirt House
St Saviour's Church, Tetbury
View St Saviour's Church, Tetbury on heritage mapSt Arild's Church, Oldbury-on-the-Hill
View St Arild's Church, Oldbury-on-the-Hill on heritage mapSt Nicholas of Myra's Church, Ozleworth
View St Nicholas of Myra's Church, Ozleworth on heritage mapNewark Park
View Newark Park on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Westonbirt House there are 4 historic properties, including 3 churchs, across Churches Conservation Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Within 10 miles of Westonbirt House there are 17 historic properties, including 6 historic buildings, 5 historic houses and 4 churchs, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Westonbirt House there are 62 historic properties, including 21 historic buildings, 19 historic houses and 8 churchs, across Historic Houses, English Heritage and National Trust sites.
Facts
The Victorian mansion whose owner's tree planting became England's National Arboretum.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Gloucestershire, England
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