A uniquely peaceful & beautiful setting
Walcot Hall dates back to Tudor times, the original Elizabethan facade being gabled. Lord Clive of India bought the estate in 1763 from Charles Walcot who was persuaded into this sale by his ignoble and extravagant uncle - Sir Francis "Hellfire" Dashwood.
In 1763, Lord Clive commissioned Sir William Chambers, leading architect of the time and subsequently drawing master to the Prince of Wales, to redesign the house. Although it has been slightly reduced in size to suit modern requirements, its aspect is as intended by Chambers - a perfect Georgian elevation, with parapet walls and sash windows, accompanied by a stable block with twin bell towers.
Walcot as a place-name is thought to be Saxon in origin, derived from Wald - a forest, and Cote - a dwelling place. This aptly describes the property which is surrounded by a vast amphitheatre of hills and is set on the edge of the Clun forest.
The gardens at Walcot Hall cover over 30 acres, including one of the finest Arboretums in Britain with a rich profusion of tree, shrub and herbaceous plantings.
Different trees are ever being added and amongst the notable specimens is a huge Douglas Fir, planted by Lord Powis in 1842 and once one of the largest trees of its kind in Britain.