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Stonor Park

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Stonor Park Summary

 

Stonor Park Description

Stonor Park lays proud claim to being one of England’s oldest manor houses, and is located in a well forested fold of the Chiltern Hills. It was famously described by the late Lord Gibson, then Chairman of the National Trust as "possibly the most beautiful setting for any house in England".

Owned by the same family of the same Faith for 850 years, Stonor exudes a gentle charm that knows no pretension. The house at Stonor is still at its core a group of medieval buildings, the first recorded building, an aisled hall, is believed to date from the late 12th century. The first additions were a buttery, now the study, a solar and the Chapel built between 1280 and 1331.

For the next three hundred years of affluence and the demands of full public life, led to constant building and improvement. Brick was first used at Stonor in the early 1400s and in the next century a brick facade was put over the two and three storied timber and flint buildings, some of which are still intact behind the present front. As no building was allowed during the Recusancy, it was not until the early years of the 1700s before further work took place giving the house its now Georgian appearance.

Inside the house there is a remarkable collection of family portraits, fine stained glass, old Master Drawings, European bronzes, early 18th century Parisian wallpaper, and contemporary ceramics from England, Denmark, Korea and Japan. How refreshing it is to see at first hand the continuing spirit of the collectors who over the years in historic homes almost everywhere have seen fit to adorn their houses with beautiful objects from all over the world.

Visitors will see the hidden attic chambers used by Edmund Campion, the Anglican convert martyred at Tyburn and canonized in 1970, and the family chapel which dates to the earliest parts of the house, and is “pretty” in a way that defies description. Stonor is a place where the red kites circle, the fallow deer roam and the ancient stone circle stands in silent testimony to the past. The customary shopping and eating facilities are well ordered and popular.

It is hardly surprising that, given its proximity to the south east and London in particular, Stonor is highly popular for those seeking the perfect location for prestigious corporate events. With ample level space for large marquees there is comfortable room for up to 500 guests against the elegant backdrop of the old house.

Company fun days, concerts that attract thousands audiences of thousands are all grist to the Stonor mill, and for those who worry about the state of the ground and outdoor events, look no further than Stonor’s chalk and limestone base which drains faultlessly if the worst occurs.

Stonor has its own home team who are used to working closely with outside organisations brought in for major events, anticipating their requirements and knowing the right buttons to press.

An attractive events programme can include car rallies, craft fairs and musical events of all shapes and sizes. There can surely be few more attractive settings in which to tie the knot and weddings at Stonor are very special occasions indeed. The private chapel is available for Roman Catholic weddings and seats 80 guests. A reception in The Old Hall and Gothic Hall can cope well with 50 guests, and there is a marquee option for larger ceremonies.

Stonor is a fine example of a piece of England’s unbeatable history that has, through the determination and imagination of those people who have loved it, survived and prospered without losing one ounce of its integrity or beauty. Find out more on their Website about visiting, entertaining there and events.

Opening Times - 2012

  • 1st April - 9th September: Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays
  • July & August: Sunday, Wednesday & Bank Holiday Mondays
  • House & Tearoom: open at 2 pm (last entry 4.30 pm)
  • Garden: open at 1 pm
  • Private groups (20+) by arrangement: 3rd April - 13th September: Tuesday - Thursday.

Admission Prices - 2012

House & Garden:

  • Adult - £8.00
  • First child (5-16 years) - £4.00
  • 2nd or more children (5-16 years) - Free
  • Child (under 5 years) - Free

Gardens:

  • Adult - £4.00
  • First child (5-16 years) - £2.00
  • 2nd or more children (5-16 years) - Free
  • Child (under 5 years) - Free

Groups:

  • Adult - £9.00
  • Child (5-16 years) - £4.50

Groups are welcome (minimum 20 people) and they get a special guided tour lasting one and a half hours, hence the slightly higher price.

Further information including opening times and prices

Events for Stonor Park

  • VW Owners' Rally - 03 June 2012
  • AC Owners Club - 19 August 2012
    1.00pm - 4.30pm: Normal entrance fees apply.
  • Chilterns Craft Fair - 24 August 2012 to 27 August 2012
    Open daily 9.30am - 5.30pm (Except Friday 5.00pm)

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Additional Info for Stonor Park

  • YesGardens
  • YesDogs allowed
  • YesWeddings
  • YesRefreshments
  • YesPicnics
  • YesGuides
  • YesFilming
  • YesGifts
  • YesLive Entertainment
  • YesShop
  • YesCar Parking

Heritage Groups

  • YesHistoric Houses Association

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