Squerryes Court

SQUERRYES COURT has been the home of the Wardes since 1731 and is still lived in by the family today. Although it was built in Charles II's reign in 1681 it is a typical William and Mary manor house. Squerryes is 22 miles from London and easily accessible from the M25. Surrounded by parkland, there are fine views over the lake to the hills beyond. The house has an important collection of Italian, 18th century English and 17th century Dutch paintings acquired and commissioned by the family in the 18th century. John Warde who inherited in 1746 purchased 93 paintings in the space of 25 years. He did not go on the Grand Tour but bought from auction houses, dealers and private sales in England. This gives an insight into the taste of a man of his time and also what was available on the art market in England in the mid 18th century. The furniture and porcelain have been in the house since the 18th century and the Tapestry Room contains a fine set of Soho tapestries made c1720. General Wolfe of Quebec was a friend of the family and there are items connected with him in the Wolfe Room. GARDENS These were laid out in the formal style but were re-landscaped in the mid 18th century. Some of the original features in the 1719 Badeslade print survive. The family have restored the formal garden using this print as a guide. The garden is lovely all year round with bulbs, wild flowers and woodland walks, azaleas, summer flowering herbaceous borders and roses. Historic Houses Association Member. OPENING TIMES SUMMER: 1 April - 30 September Wed, Sat, Sun & BH Mon. Closed: Mon (except BH Mon), Tue, Thur & Fri. Grounds: 12 noon - 5.30pm House: 1.30 - 5.30pm Last admission 5pm. NB. Pre-booked groups welcome any day. WINTER: October - 1 April Closed