Avington Park

Featured Property

Avington Park Description

Avington is a Georgian manor with a classical portico of pillars surmounted by three graceful statues. The house faces west overlooking sweeping lawns to the lake. The lime tree avenue leads down to the side of the house. Two unique iron conservatories flank a pillared orangery.

The rooms inside are stunning. Gilded and painted, the Ballroom looks out through floor length windows to the lake beyond. The huge mirrors on all four walls reflect the light, making it a very impressive and spacious room. The Drawing Room is unique in its decoration, with beautifully hand painted walls and finely gilded ceiling. The Hall and Library are equally lovely, the Hall having hand painted trompe l’oeil ceiling and walls.

History:

First mentioned in the 10th Century as Afintun, Avington originally belonged to the Cathedral of Winchester until King Henry VIII granted the estate to Edmund Clerke, who built the banqueting hall, now the Orangery. In the mid C17th, Avington was owned by George Brydges. He enlarged the house to accommodate Charles II and Nell Gwynne.

The 3rd Duke of Chandos, a cousin, inherited the property and made many improvements, adding the leaded statues, fountain, redecorating and gilding the state rooms, as well as laying out the gardens and parkland, planting avenues and vistas. His only child, married the Duke of Buckingham and Stowe, who became the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, inheriting Avington, and played host to King George IV and Mrs Fitzherbert.

The estate was sold in 1847 to Sir John Shelley, brother of the poet, and was sold to Lt. Col and Mrs Hickson in 1953, and is now in trust with their family.

Opening Times - 2011

• May - September: Sunday, Bank Holiday Mondays in August, 2.30 - 5.30 pm
• Last tour 5 pm
• Other times by arragement, coach parties welcome by appointment all year

Admission Prices - 2011

• Adult - £4.75
• Child - £2.00
• Groups welcome (minimum 20 people) - £4.00 per person

Filming Location:

There have been many films shot at Avington, Ruth Rendal mystery, films, documentaries, fashion shots, advertisements, photography, etc. Both the interior and exterior are equally photogenic and offer a large variety of shooting opportunities. Avington Park starred as Quentcham Hall in the BBC television drama Daniel Deronda.

Corporate Hospitality:

Today’s corporate visitor can appreciate the peace and tranquillity of this elegant, historic house. The staterooms are magnificently painted and lead onto a unique pair of conservatories flanking the south lawns. Avington Park is an ideal venue for a whole range of functions, from small private meetings to large corporate hospitality days, motor car launches and classic car rallies, Company dinners, conferences and promotions. More information is available on their Website.