The Abbey, Aston Abbotts

The Abbey in Aston Abbotts is an English country house with eight reception rooms, eight bedrooms, and a separate two-bedroom gate lodge on the grounds. The property features formal gardens, a lake, parkland, a tennis court, and an outdoor swimming pool.

The property dates from the 15th century and was originally connected to St Albans Abbey until Henry VIII seized it during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It later became the residence of various owners, including polar explorer Sir James Clark Ross in the 19th century.

During World War II from 1940 to 1945, the Abbey served as residence for Czechoslovak President Edvard Beneš while in exile from his country.

The house features elegant interiors with high ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and wood-paneled living spaces that create a classic English aesthetic throughout. The layout with separate room zones and extensive grounds makes it easy for visitors to explore the scale and complexity of a prosperous country estate.

The property's lake contains two islands named after HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, two famous ships from Sir James Clark Ross's polar expeditions in the 19th century. This unusual geographical reference shows the personal interests of a former owner in a distinctive way.

Location: Aston Abbotts

GPS coordinates: 51.87210,-0.77340

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43