South Hertfordshire’s Finest Houses

Enjoy exclusive tours of two exceptional Grade II* houses located in the beautiful unspoilt Hertfordshire countryside.

Enjoy a guided tour of the neo-Palladian style Gorhambury House, commissioned by James Grimston, the 3rd Viscount Grimston and constructed in the years 1777-84 by Sir Robert Taylor. Grimston’s son was made Earl of Verulam and the house is currently the home of the 7th Earl. The original house was built by Sir Nicholas Bacon (1510-1579), who was Lord Keeper of the Great Seal during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The house was replaced in 1784 as Old Gorhambury fell into disrepair. It is one of the largest houses completed by the architect who is known for his work on the Bank of England and smaller villas surrounding the City of London. The spiral cantilevered staircase and double height hall are features of his work. Further extensions were made in the 19th century. The main rooms contain a collection of the historic and academic; comprising Bacon and Grimston family portraits, a gallery of the great, two Piranesi fireplaces and other artefacts collected from the Grand Tour. Other highlights include 17th century painted glass windows commissioned by Francis Bacon and salvaged from Old Gorhambury and the earliest English pile carpet. 

Gorhambury House

Later, discover Gaddesden Place, designed by James Wyatt, architect to George III, and built between 1768 and 1773 and originally the home of the Halsey family. The Palladian house is set in an elevated position overlooking the Gade Valley with one of the finest views in the Home Counties. The house, thought to be Wyatt’s first country work, features an entrance surrounded by a 19th century porte-cochère. There is a large central portico of five bays, supported by Ionic columns and a distinctive semicircular single-storey conservatory added in 1891. The house was gutted by fire in 1905 and was subsequently rebuilt in 1908 by Cole A. Adams. The house has featured in numerous TV dramas, often portrayed as 10 Downing Street due to the similarity of the house’s hall and drawing room with the Cabinet room.

Tickets £98 including a two-course pub lunch at the Six Bells Inn. Lunch options to be made available to attendees in October 2026