A most delightful old manor house, appearing almost unchanged since Elizabethan times, Chavenage is secreted in the gentle landscape of The Cotswolds. The area has been mentioned in documents dating back at least 1000 years, but the first evidence of any buildings on the site were during the 15th century when it formed part of the estates managed by Augustinian monks. Following the Dissolution, Chavenage passed to the Crown and was subsequently given to Sir Thomas Seymour when Henry VIII married Jane Seymour.

By the mid 1560s Edward Stephens had purchased Chavenage, and he reconstructed the medieval property to form the classic 'E' shape Elizabethan manor house. Much of the magnificent wood panelling dates from late 16th/early 17th century, as seen in the entrance hall and Oak Room. Having close associations with Cromwell and the Civil War, many artefacts from this period are displayed at Chavenage, particularly in Cromwell's room. It is from this room that the much told 'legend' was created, but full justice cannot be done to this ancestral ghost story by the written word. To learn the secrets of Chavenage, visit the house and be transported back to those troubled times by the thespian skills of the 'Lord of the manor'.

The house remained in the same family for over three hundred years with apparently few alterations, apart from the addition of a small chapel and an extension to accommodate a billiard room. In 1891 the manor house was bought by George Williams Lowsley-Hoole, and early in the 20th century it was further extended with the addition of an Edwardian wing. An elegant ballroom was created at the rear of the house, looking out to the gently rolling hills, and this is now perfectly utilised as a function or conference room. Here also the visitor will be fascinated by photographs and stories of the Australian airmen who were regular visitors to Chavenage during the First World War.

On an overcast or murky day Chavenage's ancient grey stonework may seem a little unwelcoming to the visitor looking towards it from the main entrance gates. But don't be put off by the cosmetic because the warmth of the welcome you will receive from the owners, David and Rona Lowsley-Williams, will soon make you feel very much at home. Their wonderful manor house, full of historic treasures and legends, is instantly brought to life by the dramatic, and often amusing, way in which the guide chooses to relate his story. From bloody incidents surrounding the Civil War to romantic love stories, and from old tapestries to a gentleman's game of cricket, Chavenage cannot fail to hold your attention. A thoroughly recommendable way of spending a relaxed and informative afternoon.