Welcome to Stately Homes

Somerley remains a very rare stately home, one still lived in by the family, never open to the public, but available on an exclusive use only basis. The beautiful house, designed by Samuel Wyatt in 1750, has been in the Normanton family for five generations since The 2nd Earl bought it in 1825. Wyatt was a popular architect and engineer best known for his classic Georgian designs and he was also involved with buildings at Tatton Park in Cheshire, Shugborough in Staffordshire and Holkham Hall in Norfolk.

The current custodian of Somerley, The 6th Earl of Normanton, was, like many families forced to commercialise the Estate and the house following the death of his father in 1967, and the subsequent crippling death duties. Determined to keep Somerley as a family home, Lord Normanton allowed the doors to be opened for selected weddings and ery special events, on an exclusive use basis. Four of the state rooms are licensed for Civil Ceremonies.

The 2nd Earl and Countess of Normanton went on the traditional Grand Tour of Europe in the early 1800s, filling Somerley with spectacular paintings, furniture and china. To house the burgeoning collection, The famous Gallery, which stretches eighty feet was added on and filled with treasures, which remain today.

The Drawing Room features a spectacular gilded ceiling, a 17th century Italian marble fireplace, where Meissen sits gently on the hand carved mantle.

The East Library is lined with the original Wyatt bookcases and a picture of The 1st Earl of Normanton, Archbishop of Dublin.

While Somerley is truly impressive, the house still retains the warmth of a much-loved family home and presents a magical venue for a unique wedding.

On the south side of the house, the classic Wyatt colonnade featuring twelve Palladian columns sits above the formal top garden, which leads to the famous Triton fountain, one of only two copies outside Italy. From the fountain, steps lead you onto the lower lawns flanked on each side by breathtaking herbaceous borders.

Bedrooms:

There are eight guest bedrooms available for use in conjunction with a wedding, anniversary or private party. The King Edward VII suite, also comprising the Queen Alexandra bedroom, was named following His Royal Highnesses many visits to Somerley, as godfather to The 5th Earl of Normanton. Each of the beautiful bedrooms has wonderful views across the acres of Somerley parkland, or the formal gardens and top parkland, stretching to the New Forest and beyond. Overnight guests can enjoy a full English breakfast in the formal Dining Room before departing.

Somerley is also exceptional in having a full in-house team of experienced chefs, house managers, wedding and event co-ordinators and staff. They provide the most discerning guest with immaculate service, exquisite cuisine and fine wines.

Dining:

Food is the key to the success of any event and Somerley's sumptuous menus combine traditional English fare, the latest trends in cooking and some dishes unique to the Somerley kitchens. Garden party wedding receptions with champagne, traditional afternoon tea, croquet and dancing on the lawns have become a popular alternative to the wedding breakfast. So Somerley now offers a larger selection than the famous tea at the Ritz in London. As well as the selection of sandwiches, tartlets, scones and cake, there is even an option for strawberries dipped in bitter chocolate.

The canapé menu has been extended to a choice of more than 40 options including mini Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish, and salmon caviar with lemon crème fraiche on dill pancakes. The magnificent three-course dinner menu features beef, lamb and chicken but now offers guinea fowl, poussin, and a selection of different fish. Guests take away fond memories of wonderful cuisine and excellent service.

The total privacy and seclusion of the House affords an unrivalled venue for corporate events, whether for business professionals wanting to do serious negotiation in gracious surroundings or business conferences.

With the private estate spanning 7000 acres, bespoke activity days can be organised, a 4x4 course provides a testing circuit for off road vehicles and Somerley even has a dedicated team-building area.

Somerley Park is also opened during the year for an early season International Horse Trials, an Easter Craft Fair, the Ellingham Country Show and occasionally a spectacular outdoor concert.

Somerley can be exclusively yours for your wedding, birthday party, wedding anniversary, private party or business conference. Phone the event-coordinator for details or visit their Website. Viewing strictly by appointment only.