In 1887 Theodore Mander who was a Wolverhampton paint and varnish manufacture bought part of the Wightwick estate which is situated in the country approximately 3 miles west of Wolverhampton. He and his wife Flora St Clair Paint renovated the 17th-century outbuildings and built a new house nearby which they named Wightwick Manor:
It was designed by Edward Ould, a specialist in timber framing, in the popular ‘Old English’ style of half-timbering, tile-hanging, stone and red brick around a battlemented tower. In 1893 Ould added the entirely half-timbered east wing, a re-creation of a late medieval manor house which more than doubled the size of the house.
Wightwick Manor is an outstanding example of late Victorian taste and craftsmanship. Theodore Mander was a man of artistic tastes, influenced by the ideas of the writer and critic John Ruskin, who had emphasised the importance of hand craftsmanship and looking to the past for inspiration. The house was designed to combine artistic effect with comfort: central heating and electric light were installed from the start.*
*From the guide book.
Now that is an impressive building Cherie
It is really interesting, I need to go back and get the views I missed.
Yes, it’s stunning, it’s certainly a place I would love to visit.
I think you would really enjoy it
Did you view the Pre-Raphaelite paintings?
But of course James! The only thing I missed was the gardens because it was a little to early. I do plan to go back a little later in the year. I want to see the gardens in full bloom (of course) and get a full guided tour, the owners where quite interesting.