Ascott Park

The Alternative Ascott: Ascott House

Mention the word Ascott to any English person with an interest in sports and they will immediately think that you are talking about the horseracing track that is famous for its royal day, which s attended by the Queen every year. However, there is an alternative Ascott and it is actually a mansion that is located in a hamlet of the same name! Ascott House is not as popular as it should be with visitors, maybe because it is out in the sticks, but it is necessary to visit it if you want to experience the values and lifestyles of the rich.

Ascott House is near Wing in Buckinghamshire and started life as a farmhouse during the early 17th Century under James I. However, Baron Mayer de Rothschild, a local wealthy member of the aristocracy, managed to purchase it and set about extending it. The country house is several times the size of the original house but it is nothing like similar country homes because it does not have the formal atmosphere. The Rothschilds were more liberal and the nature of Ascott House reflects this today. As such, visiting the place can help you to avoid the stuffy and claustrophobic stately houses in existence elsewhere in the area.

Ascott House is actually made out of red brick and timber, thus making it look like a traditional rustic country retreat instead of a formal home. As such, it is infinitely more appealing on the outside and that continues on the inside, but that is not to say that there are no exhibitions for you to look at. The furniture is where it was a hundred year ago, with 16th Century furniture on display as well as the usual gallery of portraits!

The house itself has extensive gardens as these tow were constantly extended between 1874 and 1930. There are a number of features, including grottoes, pavilions, formal walks, manicured lawns and well spaced gardens so you can top off a great day with an invigorating walk around!