THE HISTORY OF WARBROOK
Warbrook House stands as a remarkable testament to 18th-century architectural excellence. Designed and built by the distinguished architect John James of Greenwich for his own residence, this Grade I listed building, completed in 1727, represents a rare example of an architect’s personal vision brought to life on his own estate.
A MASTER’S VISION
The memorial to John James in Eversley Church proudly records that “The said John James built the house called Warbrook in the parish anno 1724.” Named after the stream that waters the gardens, Warbrook House emerges from a landscape of ancient oak coppices, where the approach winds beneath magnificent two and three-hundred-year-old oaks that frame the east front in a spectacular natural vista.
James’s original design extended beyond the house itself to encompass the entire landscape. His carefully planned plantations, divided by straight alleys and featuring the famous canal, were predominantly oak with Scots firs and hollies interspersed throughout. The design included a ha-ha (a sunken fence bounding a park or garden) on the east side and originally featured an octagonal pool to the south of the house.
Generations of stewardship
In 1838, Augustus Stapleton, Private Secretary to Canning, acquired Warbrook House and began a period of family ownership that lasted until the late 1920s. Stapleton, who served as Church Warden when Charles Kingsley was Curate in 1842, likely influenced Kingsley’s return as Rector in 1844.
The Stapletons made significant modifications to the estate, shortening the canal branches that originally extended to house level on each side. They created the Victorian seclusion that characterises the property today by closing the public road across the park and installing a side entrance with lodge, whilst planting the rhododendrons that now screen the grounds.
Notable residents
Lady Glass, who rented Warbrook from the Stapletons for forty years, left an indelible mark on the local community. Her memorial in Eversley Church honours her as a great benefactress, and local residents still recall her impressive journeys to church in a bath chair so large it required two footmen.
Following Lady Glass, the property passed to Edwardian artist W B Ranken, then to Mrs Humphreys-Owen, remembered with great affection for her contributions to Eversley. She gifted the village a new hall, while also adding to Warbrook – commissioning Lord Gerald Wellesley, the 7th Duke of Wellington, as the architect of the wing added to the north of the house. The balustrade at the end of the canal, sourced from the original Waterloo Bridge, was also her addition to the estate.
Modern chapter
In 1965, the Honourable Anthony Berry MP acquired the property, living at Warbrook with his family until 1975. After a period of vacancy, the current owners undertook extensive restoration, transforming Warbrook into a premier conference and training venue in 1978.
The 1982 reconstruction of the pre-war stabling block and courtyard exemplifies the ongoing commitment to maintaining John James’s original architectural vision. Every effort was made to ensure the new structures harmonised perfectly with the historic main house.
Living heritage
Today, Warbrook House continues to welcome visitors from around the world who come to experience its magnificent parkland setting whilst attending conferences, weddings, and celebrations. The estate remains lovingly maintained by local staff who take pride in preserving this exceptional piece of English architectural heritage.
Watch our video – Warbrook House Hotel From The Sky
THINGS TO DO
Adventure begins right at your doorstep where you can explore our extensive gardens at your own pace. Beyond our grounds, the local area provides easy access to historic towns and countryside attractions, with excellent transport connections to London, ensuring plenty to discover whether staying for business or pleasure.