Old Arlesford House

Old Arlesford House is a three-story Georgian mansion featuring a seven-bay brick facade with Bath stone ornaments and symmetrical flanking wings. The property sits within a 16-hectare (40-acre) landscaped park that slopes gently toward the surrounding grounds.

Admiral Lord Rodney built the house between 1749 and 1751 using wealth from his naval victories in Caribbean waters. The surrounding park was designed in 1764 by landscape architect Richard Woods following fashionable Georgian aesthetic principles.

The house stands as a fine example of Georgian country living, representing ideals of wealth and taste during that period. Today, visitors can see how the landscape design reflects the values and aspirations of the gentry class.

The property is laid out with distinct zones separated by natural boundaries and architectural features that guide visitor circulation. A sunken wall called a haha divides the cultivated pleasure grounds from the pastoral parkland without interrupting views.

A medieval pond dating to the 12th century sits along the estate's boundary, originally excavated by Bishop Godfrey de Lucy for a navigation channel connecting to the river. This ancient water feature stands as one of the oldest remaining elements of the landscape.

Location: Old Alresford

GPS coordinates: 51.09940,-1.16041

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:22