Holker Hall is a grand Victorian mansion. At the heart of the house is the 16th century home of the Preston family.
The house passed by marriage to the Cavendish family.
The New Wing was built by the 7th Duke of Devonshire after a fire in 1871 destroyed a previous wing. The workmanship throughtout the house is of the highest quality.
The rooms at Holker Hall are lavishly furnished, with marble fireplaces, splendid linenfold panelling, fine plasterwork and intricate carving. There is a superb oak staircase and Victorian country-house furniture blends with Louis XV pieces.
The Long Gallery was designed to recreate an Elizabethan- style gallery. The Drawing Room retains its original silk wall hangings and the Dining Room has a superb carved oak fireplace.
The house has several exhibitions including antique kitchen appliances, a photographic display and the Lakeland motor museum.
Holker Hall is a family home, the present owner is Lord Cavendish of Furness. Cavendish is the family name of the Dukes of Devonshire and the Holker Cavendishes are a branch of that family.
For visitors to the Holker Hall the family photographs and floral displays create a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Holker Hall is surrounded by a garden and deer park. The garden has a mix of Italian and English designs and was developed by Lord Cavendish and his ancestors over two centuries.
Joseph Paxton advised on enlarging the garden and added the extensive walled gardens, an arboretum, hot-houses and a fountain. Lord George Cavendish, godson of George II, planted many of the trees including the Cedar of the Lebanon, grown from seed brought back from the Middle East.
The summer garden, with its charming rose garden, is always full of colour. Recently a new cascade has been created and a rhododendron and azalea walk planted. In the spring the woodlands are bright with daffodils. Wildflowers and martagon also flourish here.
The Holker Garden Festival is held here in early June.
2008:16 Mar-2 Nov Sun-Fri ( not Sat ) Hall 11:00-16:00 Gardens: 10:30-17:30
Tel: 015395 58328 Holker Hall Website
