Although there was a property on the site in the 13th century the present house dates from late 17th century and was built in the style of Sir Christopher Wren.
In the 1760s William Weddell, an ancestor of Richard Compton, the present owner, made the Grand Tour of Europe. He returned with a large collection of works of art that he required a grand setting for his treasures. His purchases included a set of Gobelin tapestries and superb classical statuary.
Robert Adam, the foremost classical architect of the period, was commissioned by Weddell to design the Entrance Hall, Library, domed Sculpture Gallery and Tapestry Room.
The Tapestry Room survives in its entirety and shows Adam's skill in creating harmony between the decoration of a room and its furnishings. Over the years the other rooms have been developed by the succession of owners.
The Dining Room and Billiard Room are a Regency addition to the house. The Drawing Room has been returned to Adam's original scheme.
The house also has a fine collection of Chippendale furniture.
The 25 acres of gardens at Newby Hall were influenced by Lawrence Johnston's famous garden at Hidcote.
The famous double herbaceous borders, backed by yew hedges, sweep down to the River Ure. There are several formal gardens with fountains, designed to be at their best in different seasons. There is an autumn garden, a sheltered tropical garden, a water garden and a long statuary walk.
Features include a woodland garden and a Victorian rock garden. Adventure playground and a miniature railway.
2008: 21 Mar-28 Sept:Tue-Sun, open Bank Holidays and Mons in Jul and Aug. Gardens: 11:00-17:30 last entry 17:00 House: 12:00-17:00 last entry 16:00 Guided tours operate weekdays in late April, May and Sept.
Tel: 0845 4504068 Newby Hall Website
