Thank you for visiting the Renishaw website and I hope you now feel inspired to come and visit Renishaw Hall and Gardens.
Renishaw Hall has been owned by generations of Sitwells for nearly 400 years and it is still very much a family home.
I recently inherited the house and estate from my father, Sir Reresby Sitwell, who sadly died in 2009. Renishaw was a magical place in which to grow up and I spent many happy hours playing in the extensive gardens and grounds, as well as exploring and becoming immersed in the colourful history of the house and family. Rick my husband and I now spend a good deal of time here along with our children, Rosie and Bertie as well as our beloved dogs!
As Renishaw Hall is still our family home, it is only open at limited times to the public. However, we have a team of dedicated and knowledgeable guides who will be happy to show you around. A tour of the Hall will enable you to see some of the spectacular and unique paintings and works of art that have been acquired by generations of Sitwells. The collection is varied and eclectic and certainly adds to the somewhat eccentric and unusual atmosphere of the House. To book a tour please contact the Events Office.
The gardens are of exceptional beauty and I recommend you allow plenty of time to have a good look round. They were first laid out by my great-grandfather, Sir George Sitwell in 1895. He was passionate about Italy and in particularly inspired by classical Renaissance gardens. He created a combination of manicured lawns partitioned by yew hedges, long vistas, a collection secret garden “rooms” alongside some fine antique statuary. My parents, and in particular my mother, Lady Sitwell, have continued to expand and enrich the gardens and what you see today is a totally unique combination of a formal Italian garden with large English herbaceous borders, spilling over with colour.
Our Head Garden, David Kesteven, takes tours around the gardens throughout the season, and if you would like to know more about the plants and design then do join him – I can promise you will be inspired, whatever your knowledge – so please book at the Events Office.
My great Uncle Osbert, my great Aunt Edith and my grandfather Sacheverell were all patrons of the arts and played a significant part in the artistic and literary world during the first half of the 20th century. Many of the artists they launched became famous including John Piper; Rex Whislter; William Walton, whose music Edith chose to accompany her controversial poem Façade; and Cecil Beaton, the photographer whose iconic images of Edith have become familiar to so many.
This year we are holding an exhibition of my Uncle Osbert’s twentieth
century collection: “Osbert Sitwell – Champion of the Arts “ Most
of the items have never been seen in public before……….......
We look forward to welcoming you to Renishaw and I hope you enjoy your visit.
Alexandra Hayward