One of the few places that not only allowed me to film using the drone, but actively encouraged me to do so. They are not open to the public all the time, so check out their website for thier open tour days and events.
Chillington Hall is an elegant 18th-century country house located in Brewood, Staffordshire, England. It serves as the ancestral home of the Giffard family, who were Norman in origin & have lived on the estate for over 800 years. The present house is the third on the site. In the 12th century there was a stone castle, which was replaced in the 16th century by Sir John Giffard, the then High Sheriff of Staffordshire. Peter Giffard began the third building by demolishing & replacing part of Sir Johnâs Tudor house in 1724. The present building is a notable example of Georgian architecture, completed in 1724 by architect Francis Smith of Warwick, with later modifications by Sir John Soane in the 1780s.
The remaining part of the Tudor structure was replaced by the present-day main portion of the house. It was built between 1786 & 1789 during the ownership of Thomas Giffard the younger, grandson of Peter Giffard.
The changes to the 1724 building included an added south range with two new wings of three storey height with a front portico entrance. The latterâs columns are composed of huge drums of creamy coloured Tunstall stone streaked with dark brown veins, & have Ionic capitals designed after those of the Temple of Fortune in Rome.
Soane intended that the walls of the house should be faced with stucco but it was never applied explaining why the bricks have a rough surface with arching visible above the windows.
Inside the Grade I listed, Chillington Hall there are a series of grand rooms with Georgian design elements, including intricate plasterwork & period furniture. Some interior work was later remodelled by Sir John Soane, one of Britainâs most celebrated neoclassical architects.
The hall is set within expansive, picturesque grounds, including parkland, lakes, & gardens. The parkland was designed by the famous landscape architect Lancelot âCapabilityâ Brown in the 1760s, giving it a naturalistic style with sweeping lawns & âThe Poolâ, a large water feature that was created from smaller pools by use of a dam. On the southern side of The Pool is the Grecian Temple, possibly designed by Adam. It has an Ionic portico & a low dome above an attic storey which has pedestals for four statues. Further away is a Sham Bridge by Brown with five arches built to impound the water at the northern end of The Pool.
Today, Chillington Hall remains privately owned by the Giffard family that on occasions open it to the public for guided tours, special events, and private functions. The family actively maintains the estate and often hosts charitable events to support the preservation of local heritage.
There are a number of Grade II and Grade II* listed structures on the estate. The Grade II* listed dovecote and stable block were on the Buildings at Risk Register but were removed in 2009 following repair work
Chillington Hall is an important part of Staffordshireâs heritage, showcasing centuries of history, art, and architecture. Its connections to notable historical figures, including its architectural collaborations with Capability Brown and Sir John Soane, enhance its cultural value.
The estateâs long history and careful preservation make it a fascinating destination for those interested in English history, architecture, and landscape design.
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