Stanford Hall

STANFORD has been the home of the Cave family, ancestors of the present owner, Lady Braye, since 1430. In the 1690s, Sir Roger Cave commissioned the Smiths of Warwick to pull down the old Manor House and build the present Hall, which is an excellent example of their work and of the William and Mary period. As well as over 5000 books, the handsome Library contains many interesting manuscripts, the oldest dating from 1150. The splendid pink and gold Ballroom has a fine coved ceiling with four trompe l'oeil shell corners. Throughout the house are portraits of the family and examples of furniture and objects which they collected over the centuries. There is also a collection of Royal Stuart portraits, previously belonging to the Cardinal Duke of York, the last of the male Royal Stuarts. An unusual collection of family costumes is displayed in the Old Dining Room, which also houses some early Tudor portraits and a fine Empire chandelier. The Hall and Stables are set in an attractive Park on the banks of Shakespeare's Avon. There is a walled Rose Garden behind the Stables. An early ha-ha separates the North Lawn from the mile-long North Avenue. Historic Houses Association Member. OPENING TIMES SUMMER: Easter - end Sept: Sat & Sun, 2.30 - 5.30pm. Closed Mon - Fri except BH Mons & Tues following 2.30 - 5.30pm. Last admission 5pm. NB. On BHs & Event days, open at 12 noon (House at 2.30pm). Open any day or evening for pre-booked parties. WINTER: October - Easter Closed to public, except during October for corporate events