Historic Abode Steeped in Brown's Legacy: Two Apple Trees Planted by Landscape Pioneer Still Stand
Historic Manor House Once Owned by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown Goes on Sale for £1.5 Million
Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire - The Manor House, a grade II*-listed property that once served as the country retreat of renowned landscape architect Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, is now up for sale for £1.5 million. The property, situated in the picturesque village of Fenstanton, northwest of Cambridge, offers a blend of period character and contemporary charm.
Built in 1680, The Manor House became associated with Brown in 1767 when he acquired the title Lord of the Manor of Fenstanton and Hilton from the Earl of Northampton. Brown, known for his work on over 250 landscapes, including those at Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth House, used the house as his country retreat until his death in 1783. He is buried in the nearby churchyard, with a monument to him and his wife, Bridget, located in the local church.
The Manor House offers four bedrooms spread across three floors. It boasts a black-and-white facade, pitched roof, and period features such as fleur-de-lys hinges, exposed beams, and fireplaces. The property also houses a Plain English kitchen and a contemporary orangery, adding modern comforts to this historic home.
In addition to the main house, the property includes a converted barn within its grounds, currently used as a home office but suitable for ancillary accommodation or an art studio. The gardens, extending to just under half an acre, are well-maintained with shrubs, trees, lawns, and hedges. Two mature apple trees, believed to be planted by Brown himself, grace the property.
Current owner Nigel Ferrier shared his sentiments about owning The Manor House, stating, "Owning the Manor House has been a privilege and a complete joy. There are very few opportunities in life to own a home with such character and provenance. We have enjoyed the restoration of all the original features which now add to the relaxed feel of the property. The gardens have given us immense pleasure, and we never tire of sitting in the shade of one of the apple trees that Brown planted."
For more information and pictures of the property, visit Savills' website.
The historic Manor House, associated with Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, offers a unique blend of period charm and contemporary comfort, making it an ideal haven for gardening enthusiasts and admirers of home-and-garden lifestyle. Notably, the well-maintained gardens, dating back to Brown's time, include two mature apple trees that he is believed to have planted, serving as a testament to the property's rich garden design history.
