Croome Court in Worcestershire, the 18th century mansion house where Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown proved his potential as an architect and a landscape gardener, opens to the public for the first time on Saturday 26 September.
The project to remodel both the house and its surrounding estate was Brown’s first major commission in 1751 and helped establish his reputation alongside Robert Adam, who designed many of the Court’s impressive interiors.
Whilst the National Trust-owned landscape has been enjoyed by visitors since 1996, the Trust is keen to re-unite the landscape with the house. The Court was purchased in 2007 by the Croome Heritage Trust, working in partnership with the National Trust which is managing the opening of the mansion to visitors.
The National Trust is currently raising funds to buy the long-term lease and open the Court to the public so they can experience the stunning views crafted by Brown to be best enjoyed from the windows of the house.
The Court itself – which in recent years has been a school, a centre for the Hare Krishna movement and a family home – also offers an amazing insight into the world of the Coventry family which built the property as well as the exceptionally skilled craftsman that built it.
Liz Roberts, the National Trust’s Regional Director for the West Midlands, said: 'For many years, visitors to the park have wanted to see inside the Court and to view the landscape from its windows, so we are absolutely delighted to be able to throw open the doors and welcome them inside.
We also want to encourage our visitors to tell us how they think the Court could best be developed and debate with us how it should be used.'
Visitors will be able to soak up the atmosphere of six of the ground floor rooms in the mansion, including the Long Gallery created by Robert Adam, and the Saloon where the 6th Earl of Coventry entertained King George III.
Sounds, images, objects and activities will all help to bring the story of Croome to life. In the Drawing Room, visitors of all ages can emulate unique Georgian style by trying on wigs and make-up, and in the Billiards Room there will be historic surveys of the estate.
In the Dining Room, volunteers will invite visitors to tell the Trust what they think should happen to the stucco plasterwork which was vibrantly ‘touched up’ during the house’s period under the care of the Hare Krishna movement.
Michael Smith, Croome Park’s Property Manager, said: 'Our exceptional team of volunteers and staff have been working hard to help us to prepare the Court and welcome visitors to these beautiful empty spaces.
The Court has had many owners since it was sold by the Coventry family in 1948 so it is amazing that the Georgian interior in the ground floor rooms remains mainly intact.'
Croome Court will be open from Saturday 26 September, Wednesdays to Sundays from 11am. From Saturday 7 November, it will be open from Fridays to Mondays, throughout Christmas week and weekends only in January. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croomepark
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