Kingston Bagpuize House

Situated in the Vale of White Horse, Kingston Bagpuize House is a striking early Georgian manor house built around 1708. Set within mature woodland and expansive gardens, the red-brick mansion stands on an estate with roots extending back to the Norman Conquest, taking its unique name from the medieval Anglo-Norman lord Ralph de Bacquepuis who held the manor in the 11th century. The property holds fascinating historical and cultural connections. During the Second World War, the house was requisitioned for military use, serving as a base for senior American military personnel preparing for the Allied invasion of Europe. In modern pop culture, the manor’s timeless architecture and pristine interiors made it a prominent filming location, most notably featuring as Lord Merton's home, Downton Cottage, in the hit television series Downton Abbey. Inside, visitors explore warm, family-oriented state rooms filled with centuries of accumulated fine art, antique furniture, and delicate porcelain. The architectural highlight is the grand cantilevered oak staircase, which rises unsupported through two floors without central pillars, representing a masterclass in early 18th-century woodwork. Guests can admire the elegant Entrance Hall with its paneled walls, explore cozy drawing rooms showcasing historic portraiture, and view rare collections of textiles and period ceramics.