Chavenage House
Tetbury
Arts & Culture Experience
Chavenage House is an impressive Elizabethan manor dating back to 1383. At that time, it consisted of the great hall with kitchens and a one-up one-down at either end. Edward Stephens made a number of renovations when he became the owner in the late 1500s. The addition of two wings at either end saw Chavenage become an Elizabethan style manor house, much more like what we now see today. Windows from redundant churches and monasteries, wood from old galleons and tons of Cotswold tiles were used. Chavenage House stayed in the Stephens family for over 350 years until it was bought in 1891 by the Lowsley-Williams’ and it is still in their possession today.
The house is very much a family home and is only open to visitors who pre-book a tour. The owners hope you can escape and relax in the peaceful atmosphere found here. In historic Victorian style rooms you see fine furniture, tapestries, and artefacts from the Cromwellian period. There is so much history here it is a delight to see it come to life. It opens to the public on a part-time basis. You an arrange bespoke tours for groups of 21 or more, run by members of the family. You can’t get a better insight into the history of this house than through the family themselves. As it is a family home you get a much more personal approach during the tours. As you walk through the home while the owners recount tales and pieces of history you have a humorous and intimate experience.
It has featured as both a film and TV location on many occasions. Styles in the Agatha Christie story The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Candleford Manor in Lark Rise to Candleford, the acclaimed Wolf Hall, Randalls in Emma and Trenwith House in BBC’s Poldark. Walking in the footsteps of notable people from the past, and famous actors of more recent times, Chavenage House has many stories to tell.
To note: Bespoke tours for private groups are available throughout the year.