South Yorkshire's grandest Woodhouse

Wentworth Woodhouse, one of the finest Georgian houses in England has recently had a sale agreed to a Hong Kong based investment company.

Painting from A Complete History of the County of York by Thomas Allen (1828–30)

'Woodhouse' is hardly befitting a name. It's a grandiose mansion with the longest facade in Europe (>600ft) and is bigger than Buckingham Palace. The history is full of intrigue and feud - Wikipedia's article is a starting point.

At £8 million the Lake House Group may have been less than the price of some London flats, but it'll be many times that amount to restore and maintain.

The stunning house continues to open occasionally for tours, so it was decided to investigate the outlying areas to see what else the new owners will be taking on.

Follies dot the estate and surrounding areas - this is the Rockingham Monument or Mausoleum at dawn. It's no longer part of the estate.

About a mile away, fenced off Doric Temple forms an equilateral triangle with the above and Hoober Stand, a 100ft pyramidal watchtower, each visible from the other two.

Doric Temple

Hoober Stand (taken on a previous visit)

Ionic Temple. Hercules is clubbing a mythical beast.

Grade II* listed at-risk Camellia House - rear conservatory.

Front

West of the house is the former stables and riding school. It became part of Lady Mabel College, which taught would-be female PE teachers.

Now a handful of small businesses occupy the stables and some activity takes place in the newer part of the college which includes a swimming pool, but much lies derelict, including the riding school turned gym.

Magazines up to 50 years old - this Tatler is from the early 80s.

Detailed accounts of a previous owner.

Skylights.

Rain started to fall. These grey, functional halls of residence to the north were doubtful the deal-maker.

Finally, the front facade.

Thanks for viewing!