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| STANFORD, where Shakespeare's Avon flows gently through the Park, has been the home of the Cave family, ancestors of the present owner Nicholas Fothergill, since 1430. In the 1690s, Sir Roger Cave commissioned the Smiths of Warwick to pull down the old Manor House and build the present Hall, which is a fine example of their work and of the William and Mary period. |
The Ballroom |
The
Ballroom
The Ballroom, grandly resplendent in pink and gold,
has a fine coved ceiling with four trompe l'oeil shell corners.
The
Library
The mellow panelled Library is lined with over five
thousand books, as well as many interesting manuscripts, the oldest
dating from 1150.
Throughout
the house are portraits of the family and examples of furniture and
objects which they collected over the centuries. There is also a collection
of Royal Stuart portraits, previously belonging to the Cardinal Duke
of York, the last of the male Royal Stuarts.
An
unusual collection of family costumes, including splendid embroidered
waistcoats, is displayed in the Old Dining Room, which also houses some
early Tudor portraits. |
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The
Drawing Rooms
The peaceful Drawing Rooms, with their lovely portraits
and elegant furniture, overlook the park.
The
Bedrooms
The Flying Staircase winds past portraits of the
family to the bedrooms with four poster beds and tapestries. All this
combines to embody the idea of the perfect English country house.
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The South
East Bedroom
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The Souvenir Shop
The Souvenir Shop is located in the Stable Block, and sells drinks, confectionery and ice-cream, as well as a variety of souvenirs.
1898 Replica Flying Machine
There is also a full size replica of "The Hawk". This was one of four flying machines designed and successfully flown by Lt Percy Pilcher RN, a friend of the 6th Lord Braye. He was killed flying "The Hawk" at Stanford in 1899. |
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"The
Hawk" from Dorling Kindersley's "Amazing Flying Machines"
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After visiting
the Hall, why not take in the walled Rose Garden, Old
Forge, Craft Workshop (open most Sundays), and perhaps
the beautiful 14th Century St Nicholas Church which has exceptionally interesting
family monuments and wonderful stained glass.
The Stables Cafe
The Stables Cafeis the perfect place to relax. Home-made
cakes, scones and Cream Teas are available on Open Days. In addition,
full English breakfasts, light lunches and snacks are served on Event
Days.
Pre-booked
Luncheons, Teas, High Teas and Suppers, with waitress service, are available
for parties on any day or evening during the season.
Priced
menus on request. Free meal for coach drivers. |
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