the house & state rooms

At the heart of Ragley Estate is Ragley Hall. When designed in 1680 by Robert Hooke it was one of England’s earliest and finest Palladian Houses which houses a wonderful collection of art, porcelain and furniture. James Wyatt added the grand portico and front steps in 1780.

the great hall

The magnificent baroque plasterwork was designed by James Gibbs in 1750.
In the centre of the two storey high ceiling is the Roman Goddess Minerva and over each fireplace there are figures representing ‘War’ and ‘Peace’. The hall is 70’ long, 40’ wide and 40’ high and is truly breath-taking! The Great Hall is a popular venue for weddings and other functions.

the south staircase hall

In 1969 the 8th Marquess of Hertford commissioned the artist Graham Rust to ‘decorate’ the South Staircase Hall; the result is ‘The Temptation’. On the flat ceiling the artist has painted an open topped dome through which is seen the Mount of Temptation with Christ and the Devil at the moment when the “Devil is offering Christ the World with all its riches”.

the red saloon

This impressive drawing room is exactly as it was designed by James Wyatt in 1780, the silk damask on the walls and the Louis XVI furniture has been renewed twice, in 1870 and 1970, retaining the same pattern and the same colour.

the state dining room

When the house was first opened to the public by the 8th Marquess, the shutters were kept closed and spotlights shone onto the table, hoping the visitors wouldn’t notice the shabbiness of the walls and the gaping hole in the ceiling! Now the room is used for many family celebrations and corporate events.

Why not come and see all of our rooms including the infamous Prince Regent's bedroom, the exquisite drawing rooms, music room and the library. An amazing regency interior.