Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor is a country house built in French Renaissance style with towers, intricate stone carvings, and rows of windows across multiple floors. Formal gardens surround the building, featuring geometric patterns and water features.

A wealthy banker commissioned French architects in 1874 to build this castle-style mansion, which took 15 years to complete. The project reflected a desire to gather and preserve European art treasures in one location.

The house served as a private art collection for French furniture, Italian paintings, and porcelain from different periods. Visitors can see how the family arranged their valuable objects in the rooms to live with art daily.

Plan your visit by checking opening times in advance, as they vary by season and some areas may close on certain days. Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds cover large distances between the house and gardens.

Beneath the mansion lie thousands of bottles from the Rothschild family's private wine collection, an impressive stockpile that grew over generations. This collection reveals how the family wove their passion for fine dining and wine into their daily life.

Location: Waddesdon

Architects: Hippolyte Destailleur, Elie Lainé

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Operator: National Trust

Part of: National Trust

Address: Waddesdon, nr. Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Phone: 01296820414

Website: https://waddesdon.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.84243,-0.93727

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:44