Welcome to Stately Homes

Sandon Hall came into being in 1776, when a shooting lodge was purchased and transformed into an elegant neo-Jacobean house. An accident involving a blow-torch led to the disastrous fire of 1848 and the six-year rebuilding project by the renowned Scottish architect, William Burn. The State Rooms include an wood-panelled Library, a Drawing Room with handpainted wallpaper and a grand Saloon with a bifurcated staircase.

The 50-acre formal gardens were created by William Eames, while the 400-acre park is still regarded as one of the finest examples of its type in the country.

The Harrowbys rose to political prominence in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The title originates from the village of Harrowby (now a suburb of Grantham) on another of the family's estates in Lincolnshire. The 1st Earl was Foreign Secretary during the early years of the Napoleonic Wars and a personal friend of Pitt the Younger and Spencer Perceval, for both of whom he erected monuments on Sandon Estate. He was an MP for 50 years and was offered the position of Prime Minister on no less than three occasions, declining each time.

Declining political influence led to a change in direction from the early 20th century. A family connection with Thomas Coutts resulted in the 4th, 5th and 7th Earls all being involved in the world of finance. Indeed, the 7th Earl, who died in October 2007, was Deputy Chairman of Coutts Bank and Chairman of NatWest and NatWest International. He was also responsible, along with his first wife, for turning over some of the Hall for private functions and also adding an extension to the Conservatory that includes a bar and disabled lift.

Weddings:

Sandon Hall is the ideal setting for weddings. With the Hall available on an exclusive basis, couples can celebrate their special day free from any distractions. A civil licence means that couples can marry at the Hall. A variety of rooms are on offer. Why not marry in the wood-panelled Library before enjoying drinks in the Conservatory followed by dinner in the Saloon with its grand staircase? Alternatively, you can marry in the Old Dining Room and dine in the Library. Whichever you choose, the 50-acre formal gardens are always available for photographs or just a relaxing stroll.

Catering is provided to an excellent standard by Jenkinsons of Stafford, while their resident DJ will help couples to party the night away.

Corporate Events:

Sandon Hall offers an exquisite venue where delegates can meet, work and relax in tranquil surroundings. Again, various rooms can be used - why not hold a seminar in the Library before enjoying lunch in the Saloon, or host a board meting in the Old Dining Room with it long oak table before networking in the Conservatory? Flexible, tailor-made packages are available.

Special Events:

Sandon is available for a wide range of other events, too, such as birthday celebrations, school proms and Christmas parties. Other outdoor events are also included in the calendar, such as car shows and outdoor theatre, always a treat with the beautiful gardens as a backdrop.

Since its opening in 1994, Sandon Hall, conveniently located just 5 miles from Stafford, has rapidly become one of the most exclusive venues for private and corporate functions. It is situated right in the heart of the county and is surrounded by 400 acres of glorious parkland; this combination makes Lord Harrowby's elegant home an ideal venue for every kind of event.

Open to the Public and Museum Tours:

Twice each year, Sandon throws open it doors so that the public can take a rare opportunity to look around the Hall and gardens and to learn something of the Harrowby family's history, see the Website for details.

Opening Times - 2010:

Just twice a year

Admission Prices - 2010:

Adult - £4
Child - £2
Seniors - £3
Group - £10.