Stoneleigh Abbey, Warwickshire

[Gentian]

Today I took a group of 20 WI ladies for an afternoon tour and tea. This was owned by the Leigh family until 1999 and now the top floor and original abbey buildings have been developed into exclusive appartments and cottages. We could only take pics outside, but indoors there was a wonderful collection of paintings and furnishings with the most amazing plaster work.
First and second the gatehouse, 3. the newer part(17th century) attached to the 14th century buildings, 4 the front, 5 the orangery

[baab95]

Gen - you mentioned that the top floor had been redeveloped into apartments - what became of the remaining floors? Are they open to the public as an historic home? Is it managed by English Heritage? Why did the Leigh family sell the property? Just curious - I wish I could have been on your tour!

[Crocus]

Thanks Gen for the lovely photos, I love the photo of the Gatehouse. You have such nice walks and places to visit and thanks for sharing - as you know, I just love it! xx

[Gentian]

To answer your questions Baab, it was owned by the Leigh family into the 90's, but they got into financial difficulties and sold most of the artifacts, to no avail. Then there was a fire on the second floor, so they sold out to a limited company who restored the main building, developing the top two floors into fantstic appartments (we had the details) and the original abbey and attached building are privately owned cottages. So they lower two floors are open to the public. We did the history tour, but there is also a Jane Austen tour as she was related to the family and stayed there often and the estate is depicted is some of her writings.
The grounds held the Royal Show for many years, but that has now come to an end.
Hope that helps. It's worth a visit if you are in the area.

[dragonfly]

I have been to the Royal Show a few times Gentian but never been to the Abbey. It looks worth a visit. Thanks.