Striking the Balance – The Story of Staunton Harold Hall
Not many historic country houses in the East Midlands have survived into the twenty-first century under individual family ownership. Staunton Harold Hall is unusual in having returned to family hands after sixty years of varying fortunes. Once regarded primarily as a public amenity, our task was to reclaim enough of the estate to restore it as a family home. Eleven years on, we believe we’ve found the right balance between private residence and public access.
These grand houses were built by individuals and reflect the tastes, fashions, and prejudices of their era. We were fortunate to acquire Staunton Harold Hall empty of furniture, allowing us to furnish it with pieces we love from auctions and antique markets. In the gardens and across the estate, where tree planting had been largely neglected for more than fifty years, we have enjoyed reclothing the landscape. Mistakes have been made, but they are ours alone.
We carry out most work using our own estate team and local contractors. From the Estate Office, we rent out houses, flats, offices, workshops, and even parcels of land. Family members also run complementary businesses: one daughter and her husband manage the land agency Andrew Large Surveyors, while another, Charlotte Meynell, offers catering and accommodation at nearby Breedon Hall. The family even includes politicians, though not all with the same views.
We are proud members of the Historic Houses Association (HHA) and will shortly be offering Staunton Harold Hall as a venue for occasional corporate events or film locations. This glimpse reflects who we are and what we do — please contact us if you would like to learn more about visiting or collaborating with the estate.
John Blunt
Please contact Rowan for any enquiries:
Contact Information
Please contact the office below, or complete the online form left. We will respond to request as soon as possible.
Phone: 01332 864435
The Estate Office
Staunton Harold Hall
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Leicestershire
LE65 1RT
Location
The Estate is situated a few miles from junction 13 of the M42 for Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The estate is clearly marked from the first island into Ashby by the ‘brown’ heritage signs, Ferrers Centre. Follow these through Lount passing the Ferrer’s Arms on your left and take the next left turn. You will see the entrance to the Estate & Hall on the left after the turn.
Hours
The Estate is open to the public throughout the year, barring Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Ferrers Centre is closed on Mondays.