Grange Park Opera

Visit Nevill Holt

Although Nevill Holt is not mentioned in the Domesday Book it dates back to that time. Records exist from 1290 but the Nevills, who gave the house its name, arrived in 1474 and stayed for nearly 400 years. There have been many additions and alterations through the centuries but the essentially medieval building is unchanged.

The occupants too have been many and varied. In the 19th century the Cunard family entertained no less than five British Prime Ministers in legendary style but soon after the First World War it became a prep school and its panelled walls echoed to the sounds of schoolboys.

Today, David Ross, one of the founders of The Carphone Warehouse, has lovingly restored the fairytale array of buildings and in the process uncovered many features that had been hidden.

Guests may begin their evening at the champagne bar inside the 13th century cloister and from there can explore the three newly restored walled gardens.

The first garden has elaborate iron gates with a stone crest, a medieval font and lead griffins. This leads through to the second area, a 2,500 square metre vegetable garden with peach and apricot houses as well as an extensive potager. The third, an Italianate garden, has well stocked herbaceous borders and a classical portico overlooking a pool.

The opera takes place in the newly built 300 seat theatre, itself concealed within the 17th century stable courtyard. This intimate theatre creates a perfect backdrop for opera and is a fitting complement to the splendour of the setting and the landscape that all contribute to make an evening at Nevill Holt so memorable.

The weather at Nevill Holt for the next three days:

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Movie A walk around Nevill Holt