History
Egerton House Lodge in the foreground, with Egerton Stud House (the Main House) in the background - circa 1895
Royal Roots
Built in 1891 by the 3rd Earl of Ellesmere, Egerton Stables was the most modern training establishment in the country and the property has deep roots in England’s storied horse racing history. To this day it remains a bustling hub for some of the finest thoroughbreds in the country. In the late 1800s, it was leased to Richard Marsh, a well-known horse trainer who worked with King Edward VII. One of the King’s horses, Persimmon, trained here — and won the Ascot Gold Cup and Epsom Darby in 1896. The King was a frequent visitor at Egerton. His favourite room looked out at his prized horses, see photos of The Kings Room here.
Actresses and GIs
The house saw its fair share of interesting visitors, including Lily Langtry, a famous actress and socialite of the late 19th and early 20th century. Later, in 1925, it became part of the estate owned by Henry Lascelles, the 6th Earl of Harewood, who was married to Princess Mary, daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. During World War 2, Egerton House was home to American servicemen as well as British forces. The photo of Egerton House shown below was taken by an American serviceman, Captain Billy Emmett Vinson, who attended a wedding at Egerton House paid for by an American Colonel. The wedding cake was reportedly made by German Prisoners of War, who also served dinner at the wedding.
Egerton House - circa 1943
Egerton Today
Over the years, the property has gracefully evolved, but it still holds onto its heritage. The house was fully restored in 2015 by Azoulay Interiors and now boasts 10 bedrooms and bathrooms, three drawing rooms, and a horseracing-themed billiards room. The charming architectural details that hint at its past remain—original stone fireplaces, sturdy timber beams and a grand staircase. And walking the grounds you’ll encounter trees planted by kings and queens and the same stables and paddocks where winning racehorses are still bred and trained.
