Westwood Manor

Westwood Manor may be a small, but - thanks to the care and attention of its current tenants - has a homely feel and interesting rooms.

Please note that Westwood Manor currently remains closed.

Family walking in the woodland at Castle Ward, County Down

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Following the latest government guidance, all houses in England and Northern Ireland are closed. We're reopening our places in Wales from Monday 9 November for visitors who live in Wales in line with Welsh government guidelines following the firebreak lockdown. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

Plan your visit

Living history

Built over three centuries from the fifteenth century, and adapted and changed on several occassions in its lifetime, it is the most recent restoration that has had the most impact - thanks to the restorers skills and understanding of medieval, Tudor and Jacobean periods.

In 1911 Edgar 'Ted' Lister bought Westwood Manor and with much attention to detail restored it to its 17th-century glory. Taking back alterations he uncovered original wall panelling, ceiling and even original window glazing hidden underneath plaster.

View of the music room at Westwood Manor in Wiltshire — Find rare instruments in the Music Room of Westwood Manor

The sound of music

The country's earliest Italian keyboard instrument forms part of the collection; a virginal dating from 1537. There is also a spinet, built by Stephen Keene in London, from 1711.

In 2009, with the support of the National Trust and a number of private subscribers, both were restored to full working order and recorded.

" Getting to know an original instrument's particular voice and disposition is immensely rewarding for player and listener alike. In a fascinating and touching way, we become an integral part of that instrument's long history."

Curious topiary

The garden is a tranquil haven with lawns and topiary, and there is little to distract from its peaceful simplicity. Lister created two small pool gardens, now covered in water lilies and home to the rare and protected great-creasted newt.