Explore one of Berkshires grandest country houses for free
Visitors will be able to explore the house (pictured), from its rare shell room to authentic working 1950s kitchen, for free on Saturday in celebration of Heritage Open Days.
Heritage Open Days runs from September 6 to 9 and grants free access to England’s most historic places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.
Basildon Park in Lower Basildon was saved from dereliction by sheer chance, when Lord and Lady Iliffe visited the house out of curiosity in the 1930s.
It is now a favourite film location, as NewburyToday reported last week with the filming of new British movie The Wedding Video, and is cared for by the National Trust.
“We’re so lucky that the Iliffes purchased the house and did everything they could to save its amazing interiors,” said Basildon Park property manager Amanda Beard.
“They restored the rooms to their former glory, using recycled materials where they could, and in fact many of the fixtures visitors will see on Saturday, such as fire places, door cases, even plasterwork, were rescued from Panton Hall in Lincolnshire before it was sadly destroyed.
“It is thanks to the Iliffes’ passion for conservation that these once neglected rooms now house a wonderful collection of furniture, historic textiles and paintings. They look incredible.”
One of the autumn highlights for visitors is an exhibition of nearly 30 works of rarely-seen art, loaned by the Arts Council Collection, including work by many of the best-known artists of the 1950s such as Graham Sutherland and Winifred Nicholson.
The 1950s is an important period for Basildon Park, as it is during this time that the Iliffes restored the property.
Outside, landscaped gardens give way to 18th-century parkland, filled with self-guided trails, some of which lead into Basildon Park’s beech woodlands.
Basildon Park is open free of charge on Saturday between 10am and 5pm, with house opening at 11am.
For further information on National Trust properties taking part in Heritage Open Days, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
