Known in its heyday as Stowe Palace, the house was designed as the principal temple in the renowned Landscape Gardens, echoing the Greek and Roman styles during the 18th century. Vanburgh, Kent, Adam, Gibbs, Valdre and Soane have all made their mark at Stowe, creating ‘the largest, most completely realised, private neo-classical building in the world.’

Stowe Palace was almost continuously rebuilt and refurbished by the Temple-Grenville family in an attempt to match their ever growing political ambitions with the latest architectural and interior fashions. From the glory days of their connections with the Pitts to the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845, the expensive tastes of the 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos led to near bankruptcy from which the family never really recovered.

Rescued from certain destruction by the creation of Stowe School in 1923, the House has been a centre of learning for over 80 years, inspiring many pupils with a love of art and architecture. In 1997 Stowe House Preservation Trust was created to raise funds for and to manage, a six phase restoration plan. The first two phases were completed by 2005 and the fundraising continues. The aim is to restore the 18th century masterpiece for which it was once famed.

The House is open to the public mainly in the school holidays and during term time for 2pm tours. For details of opening and admission prices please check the website www.shpt.org or phone the 24 hour information line on 01280 818166.

Location: 3 miles NW of Buckingham via Stowe Avenue, off A422 Buckingham -Banbury Road. Postcode: MK18 5EH