Doddington Hall & Gardens

Doddington was built by Robert Smythson, one of England’s foremost Elizabethan architects. An example of a fine late Elizabethan mansion, it is still a lived-in and much loved family home, alive with history and interest.

Originally built for Thomas Tailor, the registrar to the Bishop of Lincoln, Doddington’s mellow brick exterior with its walled courtyards has barely changed since it was completed in 1600. However, in 1749, the Hall was inherited by John Delaval of Seaton Delaval in Northumberland and he carried out an extensive internal redecoration, incorporating the light and elegant Georgian style still seen today.

In 1830 Colonel George Jarvis inherited the house from Sarah Gunman, heiress to the property, and the present owners are direct descendants of his.

The Family name has changed as the house has been passed through the female line five times, but the house has never been sold or cleared out. As a result, it is full of fascinating stories, as well as furniture, porcelain, textiles, paintings and ceramics – all of which have accumulated in the house over the last 400 years.

From 1973 Antony and Victoria Jarvis pursued a programme of sympathetic restoration to the Hall, Gardens and Estate as well as broadening the appeal of Doddington to visitors through events such as concerts, exhibitions and school visits.

In 2006 their eldest daughter Claire Birch and her husband James took over the management of Doddington. To fund the continued improvement and restoration of the Hall they have started a number of commercial ventures including an award-winning Farm Shop and Café, based on the restoration of the Kitchen Garden. Later more shops, a wedding business, holiday cottages and another Café / Restaurant have been added.

A visit to Doddington offers a unique insight into family life through the ages and the challenges of looking after such an estate in the 21st century.

Doddington has embarked on an ambitious 400 year wilding project to bring more nature back to the Estate. ‘Wilder Doddington’ has set out to revive ecosystems to benefit people and nature; letting nature recover, letting people connect to nature.