Two Historic Stately Homes in Royal Berkshire

If you enjoy history, architecture and period movies, don't miss seeing Dorney Court and Basildon Park this month, August, in the English county of Berkshire. Both properties exhibit the distinct architectures of different periods of English history. And both properties have been the movie sets of popular period films. As Dorney Court is still privately owned, it is only open in August which makes this month special. The houses are within a 30-45 minute drive of each other and are an easy drive for anyone staying in the Windsor area.

Dorney Court is reputed to be the oldest preserved Tudor House in England. While others may be older, they have not been preserved as this one has in its original form. The house is a red brick Tudor house built in 1440. It has been continuously owned by the Palmer family through 13 generations for over 450 years. That in itself is incredible. The house has recently undergone extensive restoration that has taken 10 years to complete. It is surrounded by a lovely garden and an equally old church behind it. The house has always been the manor house of Dorney Village which was first recorded in the Doomesday Book.

The interior of the home reflects the lives of it's inhabitants over the centuries. Every generation has added interior furnishings, decorative arts and paintings and they are all still there. There is a guided tour of the house which adds to your understanding of the furnishing and the lives of the people who owned them. Dorney means Isle of Bees and true to its name you can buy honey from their bees on the premises. There is also a garden center and a tea room next door.

Basildon Park moves you to the 18th century and into Palladian architecture. Originally built in 1776 by John Carr for Francis Sykes, it reflects the taste of a wealthy man who made his fortune in India. The house fell into disrepair and was resurrected twice in its history. The most recent saviours were Lord and Lady Iliffe who saved the house from destruction and lovingly restored it back in 1952. Having then occupied it for some time, it was given over to the National Trust.

The house reflects the influence of Robert Adam, the famed interior architect. The Neo-classical plasterwork ornament of the ceilings are some of the best and most beautiful to behold. The delicately designed staircase and the unusual Octagon Drawing room are also notable. The Drawing Room will soon be seen in the new movie, Pride and Prejudice, due to be out this fall. The Iliffes furnished the house with antiques, decorative pieces and a fine art collection that can now be enjoyed by all. Behind the house is a lovely garden and spectacular views of the countryside.

The National Trust also has a shop on the premises as well as a lovely tea room. Check opening times as they vary throughout the year at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk.