Stowe House 4.66

Stowe House - A lavish temple of delights!

If you had power and riches, how would you use them?

In the 18th century, the powerful Temple-Grenville family chose to create an idyllic landscape filled with temples. Amidst these enchanting gardens, they built the most lavish temple of all, Stowe House. This temple was so grand that even Queen Victoria was bewildered by its interiors. Filled with astonishing rooms imitating ancient worlds and classical ruins, the House reflects the flamboyant and colourful characters of its creators. Ceilings and walls decorated with hidden messages and mythology hint at the family’s former power and glory.

But wealth and power do not last forever. Excessive spending led to bankruptcy. Extravagant parties, royal visits and Italian Grand Tours gave way to scandal, intrigue and eventually abandonment. The richest family in England became the greatest debtors in the world.

In 1922, in the face of demolition, Stowe School saved the building from certain destruction. Unlike the loss and decline of many English country houses, Stowe House found a new and revived use for the 20th and 21st centuries as a school for boys and girls.

Stowe House Preservation Trust was established in 1997 to restore the House and share this special place with the world. We work in collaboration with the National Trust and Stowe School to open Stowe to you as a complete estate. Come inside the House to see the results of one of the most pioneering restoration projects of the 21st century and glimpse inside one of the most excessive homes in England!


Top five House highlights!
Scandal
• discover the scandal and debauchery of the Duke who amassed the greatest debts in the world
Delight
• be enchanted by the delightful scenes of nature in our State Music Room
Childhood
• see inside the school where Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh spent his childhood
Celebrity
• find out why Queen Victoria thought this palace was too luxurious even for royalty
Excess
• marvel at our amazing domed ceiling inspired by the ancient Pantheon in Rome

Admission charges apply:
Adults £5.50
National Trust Adults £4.30
Children go free with a paying adult

Stowe House adult admission qualifies you for a Stowe House annual pass. This is available from the House visitor centre upon completion of a registration form.

Joint House and Gardens tickets available.

This historic property is regularly open to the public.

Stowe House closes for private events, please see our website www.stowehouse.org or telephone +44 (0)1280 818166 for the most up-to-date information regarding opening dates and times before your visit.

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