Tuesday, 21 November 2017

Historic buildings : Country mansion with 125 acres

This is the country mansion on Whitchurch-on-Thames is long past its former glory despite a price tag of some £10 million
The country mansion on Whitchurch-on-Thames was built in 1865


The estate in Whitchurch-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, has outstanding views over its own land to the River Thames and beyond.
The estate was originally created by James Gardiner in 1865 on his return from the East Indies, but was sold to Charles Howard in 1898.

He added a stud complex to the property, which produced many high quality racehorses, including Willonyx, who won five principal races in 1911 - including the Ascot Gold Cup.


As well as the main house, outbuildings and boat house, the property also sits on 125 acres of land adjoining the river
As well as the main house, outbuildings and boat house, the property also sits on 125 acres of land adjoining the river

During the Second World War it was used as a rest and recuperation centre for the US Air Force under Charles’ widow Lillian but the grand home was left in a poor state when they left and the main part of the house was demolished after the war because of the large capital cost of refurbishment.

US air crew were invited to the house, which changed its name to Pangbourne House, to rest during their 25-mission tour in Europe. 
The American Red Cross ran the operation which lasted until the end of the war.

As befitting a £10million property, the house features a gated driveway to deter uninvited visitors from calling in 
As befitting a £10million property, the house features a gated driveway to deter uninvited visitors from calling in 

Within a matter of minutes the new owner could be 

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