Waddesdon Manor is a stunning French Renaissance-style chateau located in Buckinghamshire, England. It was inspired by the architecture of the Loire Valley in France. It features turrets, towers, and elaborate decorative details, making it an architectural masterpiece. It sits on 6000 acres of land next to Aylesbury.
It was built between 1874 and 1889 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, a member of the prominent Rothschild banking family, who was a notable collector of art and a philanthropist.
Waddesdon Manor was designed as a country estate and a showcase for baron's extensive art collection. It features a wide range of decorative arts, including furniture, textiles, porcelain, and paintings. Many of them are of artistic significance. In 1957 Waddesdon Manor was given to the National Trust, with the condition that it be preserved and open to the public. Today, the property is open for visitors and continues to be a cultural and historical attraction.
The Rothschild family has a long history of wine production, and this tradition is still celebrated at Waddesdon - the estate is home to an impressive wine cellar, which contains an extensive collection of wines from around the world. You can buy a bottle at the shop :)
Waddesdon Manor has beautiful gardens and grounds, which were also designed in the French style. The gardens include beautiful lawns, fountains, statuary, and colourful flower displays. It is lovely place for visitors.
There is Aviary in the gardens with a decent collection of live birds, a good-sized playground for kids, and Stables where you can get some refreshments, ice cream, and pizza.
Each year, during Christmas period, the estate is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights, themed displays, and a Christmas market - but it is story for another post :)
Stables
On the way to Aviary
Behind the mansion
Aviary
Fountain in Aviary
One of the exhibitions