Stanway House, built of golden limestone, is an outstanding example of Jacobean architecture.
In 1530 Richard Tracy, whose family had owned land in Gloucestershire since before the Norman Conquest, obtained a lease on property from the Abbot of Tewkesbury.
The manor house was built during the reign of Elizabeth I and remains today one of the most romantic houses in Britain. The ornate gatehouse was decorated with a shell motif.
The property is still in the hands of the same family and the present owners, Lord and Lady Neidpath, are descendants of Lord Elcho who married the last Tracy heiress.
The house contains many generations of family portraits. Stanway House has a strong sense of continuity. The house is still a family home at the centre of the community.
The estate cottages have not been sold off and the tennants follow the tradition of bringing their rent in person each quarter. In the Audit Room the sums due are handed over at a 250 year old table.
The parkland surrounding the house has been enhanced by a restored baroque water garden. This features a pyramid above a cascade, with an upper pond, waterfall, grand canal and 70 feet high fountain.
