Skip to main content

About

Claydon Estate is a thriving, family-run country estate and has been the ancestral home of the Verney family for over 400 years.





About

Located in the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside, Claydon Estate has over 170 acres of scenic parkland and Walled Gardens offering flexible open spaces for public, private and corporate events, as well as filming and photography.

The History

The Verneys have owned Claydon Estate for more than 550 years, but it was not until Sir Edmund Verney moved here in 1620, that Claydon House and Claydon Estate became the ancestral home of the Verney family.

In 1750 Ralph Verney, 2nd Earl Verney, inherited Claydon Estate and set about his grandiose plans of re-building the house to rival the neighbouring Stowe. Much of these magnificent designs and features can be seen today, but thirty years later he would face financial ruin and died without issue.

It was in 1827 that the Estate passed to Harry Calvert, who changed his name to Verney, and went on to marry Francis Parthenope Nightingale, sister of Florence Nightingale. Sir Harry Verney, 2nd Baronet, invested in the Estate and re-modelled the house.

The Estate was then passed through the generations to Sir Ralph Verney, 5th Baronet, who inherited in 1936. Twenty years later Claydon House was given over to the National Trust, with Sir Ralph and his son Sir Edmund Verney, 6th Baronet, dedicating their time to helping the Charity in the restoration and conservation of the house, as well as the running of the wider Estate.

Our Present and Future

In 2014, Nicholas and Alexandra Verney took over responsibility for Claydon Estate, and are now the custodians of this unique and historical site.

During that time, they have restructured the Estate’s in-hand farming enterprises, started a programme of restoration of, and investment in, Claydon Courtyard, now a hub for visitors and independent businesses, established a growing calendar of events and implemented ongoing improvements to the Estate’s let homes and commercial premises.

They have a clear vision for the Estate, and believe they have a responsibility to bring about positive change in relation to some of the challenges being faced today and in the future.

Owners Visitors

2020 was our 400th Anniversary! Find out how we are marking this special Anniversary and our vision for the Estate here.

Nicholas says:

“We are passionate about being part of the solution to issues such as the housing shortage, climate crisis and mental health. As landowners, we are working with tenant farmers and local contractors in producing sustainable British food, helping maintain countryside access, which is vital for mental and physical health, providing homes for many families and contributing to the local economy through employment and ongoing support of local organisations.

“This is not only our home, but it is the home of our communities, and we have a responsibility to ensure this beautiful corner of Buckinghamshire thrives, and to build a sustainable future.”

Get in Touch

The Claydon Estate
Estate Office, Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire
MK18 2EX

Opening Hours

Claydon Courtyard and the Phoenix Kitchen:

Phoenix Kitchen: For up to date opening hours visit Phoenix Kitchen

We recommend you check with individual Courtyard businesses and the National Trust Claydon House for their opening times.

Find Us