Waddesdon Manor
If you prefer your tours of the English landscape to exude a certain je ne sais quoi, then Waddesdon Manor is for you. Built in the late-Victorian era by the great European banking dynasty, the Rothschilds, its French renaissance style makes it less a stately home and more a stately chateau!
Waddesdon was commissioned by Baron de Rothschild in the late-19th century to impress his visitors and entertain his guests. Going very much against the Italianate grain of the time, it was heavily influenced by French King Louis XIV style and design, both externally and internally. In fact, many claim it to contain the finest collection of French 18th century decorative art, furniture and porcelain outside of France itself.
The house also features a fabulous art collection including portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds and many Dutch masters. The gardens are famous for colourful displays and ornamentation, and contain a decorative aviary which houses a magnificent collection of exotic and rare birds. Wine lovers will certainly enjoy a visit. Tasting events are regularly held in the Rothschild cellars, said to be modelled on those at the family’s famous Chateau Lafite in Bordeaux. In short, Waddesdon has something for everyone.