|
 |
An
Elizabethan & Jacobean Improprietor's House
Reputedly the oldest house in the Vale of Belvoir
The Old Manor House,
opposite the Parish Church, is a 400 year old mullioned stone house,
built by Sir Henry Hastings as Improprietor of the Great Tithes of
Claxton. A description in The King's England as "homely and stately
among the trees," masked years of genteel neglect that had allowed
the house, which is listed Grade II* by English Heritage, both to
retain a huge amount of history but also to slip onto the "at risk"
register. During recent conservation many interesting features have
been uncovered: wig cupboards, Elizabethan fireplaces, a long
gallery, 17th and 18th century signatures, even a love poem
scratched into the plaster work. The house also retains some of the
dairy fixtures from 100 years ago when prize-winning Stilton cheese
was made here, and it remains a working farmhouse.
Research and restoration have gone hand in hand, and have met with
general approval and the odd award. We frequently give interested
guests a tour of the house and have hosted several local history
groups as well as the Fellows of the Society for the Protection of
Ancient Buildings. However, the house remains a family home with a
relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
The large orchard behind contains one of the manorial fish ponds,
frequented by Mallards, Coots, Moorhens, Greylag Geese and Swans,
all of which have nested here over the last few years. Newts, frogs
and a shoal of goldfish can often be seen, when they are not hiding
from the local heron! Fortunate visitors might catch a glimpse of
our resident kingfisher. Gardens have been laid out in keeping with
the Jacobean style of the house. Cobble paths have been revealed,
York flagstone walkways laid, and traditional mud walls have been
rebuilt around the perimeter.
We normally only let the one room, which sleeps up to four persons,
and has its bathroom adjoining. For larger parties we can sometimes
also assign another room. Parking is at the front of the house on
the public highway. Guests may smoke in the gardens but not in the
house. Our resident cat prevents the accommodation of visitor’s
pets. Well-behaved children are welcome.
|
