Every House has its own story to tell
Every house has its own story to tell…
As we look forward to a bright and shiny future, let’s take a moment to travel back in time and peek into the memory vaults of Hawkstone Hall & Gardens to find out where it all began.
In 1492 at the court of Hill in Burford, England, Rowland Hill is born. As he grows, he earns his fortune in textiles and becomes a very wealthy man. In 1549 he is appointed Lord Mayor of London and is a good friend of Henry 8th. A few years later in 1556Rowland Hill purchases the Manor of Hawkstone Hall. He was a wise, caring and hospitable man, as a result, many people sought his advice and friendship.
The Estate now becomes the ancestral seat of the Hill family for more than 300 years.
During this time, Hawkstone becomes the showpiece place to visit in England. The Hall’s dramatic terrain and a legion of curiosities draw in hordes of visitors from near and far.
But alas, the succession ended when the 3rd viscount Rowland Clegg Hill passed away.
In 1895, the fortune his ancestors built had gone and he died a bankrupt man. After an auction selling the entire contents to appease the creditors, the house subsequently lay silent and empty for 11 years.
In 1906, Mr George Whiteley MP, who later became Lord Marchamley, purchased the house, leaving it as he found it 9 years later.
In 1915, Mr Creswell Grey became the 3rd owner and offered Hawkstone Hall to the government as a convalescence home for injured officers. As the roaring 20s approached, the young, beautiful, wealthy, and privileged of the land enjoyed many decadent parties.
In 1926, amidst all the revelry, the Hall sits refined in its elegant and tranquil setting. Not long after, Hawkstone attracts the attention of a group of Roman Catholic redemptorist Fathers, who then purchased it in 1926 for the purpose of higher studies. Many dignitaries and several popes visit.
In 1973, the Redemptorists relocate and the Hall becomes a pastoral and renewal centre for all faiths.
It’s 2017, Hawkstone is for sale, and has many admirers, but it has captured the hearts of the Distinctly hospitable group. Two years on, a new era is dawning for this magnificent house and its gardens, and the rare ancient trees are rustling in anticipation of what’s to come.
The pillows are plumped, the chandeliers are sparkling, the staff are poised to serve you, resplendent in their uniforms with cocktail shakers at the ready.
We cordially invite you to celebrate, sing, dance, eat, drink, rest, retreat and enjoy all that Hawkstone Hall and gardens has to offer.