Welcome to Stately Homes

The gateway to Capesthorne Hall is the entrance to something more than an English stately home. The distinctively turreted red brick Hall, looking out over 100 acres of picturesque Cheshire parkland, gardens, lakes and woods, is part of a rich heritage of English history. But the 18th century Jacobean-style building is also the private home of the Bromley Davenport family who have lived on the land since Domesday times.

Within it lies fine art, marble sculptures, furniture, tapestries, Regency, Jacobean and rococco antiques from throughout Europe, America, and the Far East. National treasures ... but national treasures which are also family possessions. The result is a unique atmosphere, a sense of national history which merges with the character, atmosphere and comfortable intimacy of a family home.

The Hall itself was built between 1719 and 1732. Extensive changes, over a hundred years later, included the distinctive turrets and pinnacles. But in 1861 a disastrous fire threatened to destroy the Hall completely. It was only saved by a change in the direction of the wind which left just two wings remaining. The entire central section was gutted and had to be completely rebuilt.

The present Squire, William Bromley Davenport, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, and his American wife Elizabeth, a professional artist, are the latest of eight generations to live there.

The journey through Capesthorne Hall begins in an Entrance Hall of historical paintings, marble sculptures, English, French and Dutch antique furniture and 16th Century stained glass windows. The Sculpture Gallery stands between the Saloon, with its family portraits, bronzes and ebony furniture, and the Queen Anne Room which features a monumental fireplace and heraldic mantelpiece surrounded by paintings, marbles and fine porcelain. For further details do visit their excellent Website.

Grounds:

The Capesthorne acres, which surround the Hall with woodland, parkland and lakes, provide popular relaxation breaks for visitors on public open days as well as corporate and private users. Through the Milanese Gates, opposite the Chapel, the tranquil gardens, alongside the estate’s chain of lakes, merge colourful perennials with more unusual 18th century plants, maples and cherry trees.

Corporate Events, Weddings and Private Parties:

Today’s business environment is often the last choice for a productive Board or departmental meeting or to organise a corporate occasion - whether a dinner, luncheon, special meeting, seminar, convention or exhibition. For companies needing the seclusion of a country location there can be few more elegant facilities.

Up to 200 guests can be received in the Entrance Hall, Saloon and Sculpture Gallery from where there is a choice of directions. The doors onto the terrace lead to the West Lawn where a marquee would be a short stroll from the lakeside gardens. Or up to 80 guests can enjoy a silver service Wedding Breakfast in the Queen Anne Room where Capesthorne offers excellence in cuisine, professional service and personal attention to detail.

Celebrations at Capesthorne can be as small as a family picnic or as large as a major music concert for thousands of people. Outdoor facilities will meet every scale of social event and areas, including the West Lawn are available for marquees. As only one booking is accepted at any one time private guests using the facilities at Capesthorne have exclusive access to the Hall and estate.

Opening Times - 2008:

Summer:
April to October - Bank Holidays, Sundays & Mondays
Hall: Open 1.30 pm - 4 pm. Last admission 3.30 pm
Gardens & Chapel: 12 - 5 pm
Groups welcome by appointment

Admission Charges - 2008:

Combined Ticket (Hall, Gardens and Chapel) - Sundays and Bank Holidays:
Adult - £6.50
Child (5-18 yrs) - £3
Senior Citizen - £5.50
*Family Ticket - £15

*(parents and children aged up to 16 years in the same car)

Mondays only: £10 per vehicle; max 4 persons, additional persons - £2.50 each

Gardens and Chapel (Sunday and Bank Holidays only):
Adult - £4
Child (5-18 yrs) - £2
Senior Citizen - £3

Transfers to the Hall from Gardens and Chapel:
Adult/Senior Citizen - £3.50
Child (5-18 yrs) - £1.50

Mondays only:
Mini Bus (max 12 people) - £30
Coach (up to 50 passengers) - £60

Caravan Park:
Up to 2 people - £16 per night
Over 2 people - £20 per night

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.