Cholmondeley Castle

Cholmondeley Castle stands in parkland near Malpas in Cheshire. The house replaced a timber-framed hall and was built early in the 19th century for George Cholmondeley, first Marquess of Cholmondeley, who designed most of it himself. Robert Smirke later extended the building to its present form. The castle is built of sandstone with slate and lead roofs and has a battlemented parapet. Its west front has two three-storey wings linked by a single-storey loggia, while the east front faces the gardens. A square five-storey tower and octagonal turret stand on the right side of the entrance front. The estate has belonged to the Cholmondeley family since the 12th century. The first formal gardens were laid out in the 17th century by George London and later reordered by William Emes. In the 20th century Lavinia, widow of the sixth Marquess, developed the gardens further. St Nicholas Chapel in the park dates from the 13th century and contains 17th-century furniture. A wrought-iron screen and gateway made by Robert Bakewell in 1722 once stood at the Old Hall before being moved to the main drive. Visitors walk through the park and formal gardens. The chapel and other listed buildings stand among the trees and lawns. The gardens contain a variety of structures, including lodges and garden features. The house itself is not open to the public, but the grounds host events during the summer. One of the lodges can be hired as a holiday cottage. The parkland and gardens offer long views across the estate and a quiet place to walk.