Built on the site of an earlier 17th-century property , Womersley Park near Doncaster has been shaped by successive generations of the Harvey, Hawke and Rosse families.
First developed by London barrister Tobiah Harvey in 1680, the estate later passed by marriage to the Hawke family and subsequently to the Rosses. In the 20th century, it was preserved by Anne Parsons, Countess of Rosse – formerly Anne Armstrong-Jones and mother of Lord Snowdon.
During the Second World War, Womersley Park became the childhood home of Lord Snowdon - one of the country’s most influential photographers and designers, and later the husband of Princess Margaret. The hall was owned by his stepfather, Michael Parsons, 6th Earl of Rosse, and Snowdon is reputed to have set up his very first photography studio there.
The house itself still bears the marks of centuries of family life and artistic influence. From the stained-glass window attributed to Henry Gyles to the Fairfax coat of arms, the reputed Robert Adam bookcase, and the Georgian interiors, this home is where architectural significance and personal histories intertwine.
It comes complete with 10 bedrooms in the main house, and five ancillary properties comprising two apartments and three cottages. Its grounds extend to 38 acres of walled gardens, sweeping parkland, woodland, and arable land, and also includes garaging, outbuildings, and the Fig & Olive Coffee Shop.
Womersley Park is on the market with Strutt & Parker for £5m struttandparker.com
5. Historical significance
A spectacular stained-glass window appears to be 17th Century work, largely if not entirely by Henry Gyles, virtuoso and glass painter of York. Photo: Matt Hillier Photographer
6. Time for bed
There are four en suite bedrooms, two of which feature walk-in wardrobes, along with six additional bedrooms, including two nestled in the attic. Photo: Matt Hillier Photographer
7. Classic grace
The Hall features seven bathrooms in total Photo: Matt Hillier Photographer
8. Impressive exterior
Externally, the Hall’s symmetrical Georgian architecture makes a bold and elegant statement. Photo: Strutt & Parker