Alscot Park, Warwickshire — historic house

historic house · Warwickshire · England

Alscot Park

Photo: Alscot Park by Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

About this place

Grade I listed Alscot Park is a Rococo Gothic country house in Preston on Stour, Warwickshire, roughly three miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Built during the mid-18th century for James West, a politician and antiquary, it represents a style that was fashionable for a short period and survives here in unusually complete form.

The house stands within 4,000 acres of park and farmland, itself Grade II listed, through which the River Stour runs.

Alscot Park is a member property of Historic Houses.

Read more on Wikipedia

History

The house was built for James West during the mid-18th century. West was a politician and antiquary, and the choice of Rococo Gothic reflected the fashionable picturesque taste of that period. Several features of the original estate, including a Chinese pavilion and an obelisk, have since been lost.

Architecture

Built of limestone ashlar to a T-shaped plan with a hipped slate roof, the house presents a two-storey frontage of seven bays. The Rococo Gothic style sets it apart from the more prevalent Palladian houses of the same period.

Worth knowing

The original estate once included a Chinese pavilion, an obelisk, and pleasure grounds. All three have since disappeared, making them known only through historical records.

Gardens & grounds

The 4,000-acre park and farmland, through which the River Stour runs, is listed at Grade II in its own right.

Plan your visit

Nearest station: Stratford-upon-Avon Rail Station (3 miles)

Primarily a private estate with limited public access; open on select occasions for events and tours — check the official website for current details.

Nearby properties

Historic places nearby

Within 10 miles of Alscot Park there are 10 historic properties, including 5 historic buildings, 2 churchs and 2 historic houses, across National Trust, Churches Conservation Trust and Historic Houses sites.

6 National Trust
2 Churches Conservation Trust
2 Historic Houses
5 Historic building
2 Church
2 Historic house
1 Garden
See these 10 sites on the heritage map

Within 20 miles of Alscot Park there are 34 historic properties, including 13 historic buildings, 8 churchs and 6 historic houses, across National Trust, Churches Conservation Trust and Historic Houses sites.

14 National Trust
8 Churches Conservation Trust
7 Historic Houses
5 English Heritage
13 Historic building
8 Church
6 Historic house
2 Castle
2 Archaeological site
1 Manor house
1 Garden
1 Monastery
See these 34 sites on the heritage map

Facts

A rare surviving Rococo Gothic house, Grade I listed, within 4,000 acres of listed Warwickshire parkland.

Type
historic house
Location
Warwickshire, England
Historic Houses Grade I
Official website

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