Chance to tour former stately home (From Gazette Series)

Chance to tour former stately home

FOR just one afternoon this summer the public will be able to tour Westonbirt House - the former stately home of Westonbirt Arboretum's founder, Robert Holford and now part of the estate of Westonbirt School and Querns Westonbirt School.

This magnificent building was one of the grandest and most extravagant private homes to be built in Victorian England. Many of its original features, such as silk and leather wall hangings and ornately plastered and painted ceilings, survive in excellent condition today.

The innovative design of the house demonstrates that Holford's taste in architecture was as confident as his planting schemes, which may be seen throughout the grade one listed gardens, also open to visitors that afternoon.

Worthy of particular attention at this time of year will be the recently replanted shrub beds of the formal walled Italian gardens, stone borders with daisies and urns filled with colourful geraniums.

The event takes place on Sunday, June 13 (2-4.30pm). Ticket price includes tea and home-made cake.

There is free ample parking on site and access for wheelchair users. Dogs are also welcome on leads.