Welcome to Stately Homes

Built by Edwin Lascelles between 1759 and 1771, Harewood House is a fine example of the English country house. The estate was bought by the Lascelles family in 1738. Their increasing wealth had brought a rise in social and political standing and Edwin Lascelles, the first Lord Harewood, wanted a house to reflect this.

In 1748, Edwin commissioned John Carr of York to design and build the House (plus stables, farm and 'model' village). Whilst Carr was completing work on the stables, Edwin Lascelles showed the plans of the house to Robert Adam, a young Scottish architect.

After noting Adam's comments, Edwin decided to commission both architects, with the result that the central part of the house was designed by Carr whilst the two wings and the interiors were created by Adam. The plans were based on the then fashionable Palladian design. Foundations were laid in 1759 and the house finally became habitable in 1771, although the Gallery was not finished until a year later.

Edwin Lascelles commissioned the greatest names in the making of an English Country House, including Thomas Chippendale, to provide all the furniture.

During the 19th Century many changes were made to the House, most notably the extensions and alterations made by Charles Barry. These included the addition of a third storey, removal of the classical portico on the south side and the addition of the Terrace Garden between 1844 and 1848. Many interior changes were also made.

It was not until 1929-39 that the house was again remodelled by the sixth Earl and HRH Princess Mary. This time it was with an eye to restoration. Sir Herbert Baker, who had worked alongside Edwin Lutyens on the New Delhi project in India, was asked to design the alterations and improvements. On the architectural side, Adam's designs re-emerged as the dominating influence inside the house and other work included the re-hanging of paintings and room refurbishment schemes.

Following the precedent set by Princess Mary and the Sixth Earl, there is a continuing programme of restoration work in the house. The rediscovery of the original Chippendale mirrors prompted the restoration of the State Rooms between 1987 and 1991 as space was needed to display them.

For more information, they have an excellent and very descriptive Website, including a marvellous tour of the house.

Business and Hospitality

Harewood is easily accessible by road and is close to mainline rail stations and the Leeds Bradford International Airport. This combination of ready access and spectacular setting makes Harewood a unique venue for a wide range of events, including corporate hospitality, conferences, dinners, dinner-dances, wedding receptions and civil ceremonies.

Their other business related activities range from office leasing to a wide range of high profile sponsorship opportunities and even location filming facilities for the TV and film industries.

Opening Times - 2010:

House open from April until 1st November:
State Rooms: 12 pm - 4 pm
Harewood Below Stairs & Terrace Cafe: 10.30 am - 4 pm. Last admission 4 pm
Terrace gallery: 10.30 am - 5 pm
Gardens, Grounds & Adventure Playground: 10.30 am - 6 pm
Bird garden: 10.30 am - 5.30 pm

Please see their website for opening times of specific areas

Admission Prices - 2010:

High Season:
Adult - £13
Child - £6.50
Senior - £12
Family (2+3) - £40

Low Season:
Adult - £11
Child - £5.50
Senior - £10
Family - £35

Groups (15+): Please telephone for details

* Prices are for Monday to Friday. Prices on weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays are slightly higher.

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