Basildon Park National Trust

Basildon Park is a stunning Georgian mansion built in the Palladian style. It is a perfect specimen of the kind of English houses we all fantasize about in our Anglophile longings. Designed by architect John Carr of York, it was constructed between 1776 and 1783 for Sir Francis Sykes, a wealthy East India Company official (it has a dark history there, which we’ll cover in a future article about the house itself). The estate's grandeur reflects Sykes’ ambition and wealth, but financial difficulties later forced his family to sell the property. Over the years, Basildon Park changed hands several times, falling into disrepair during the 19th century.
By the early 20th century, the estate had deteriorated significantly, but it was rescued in the 1950s by Lord and Lady Iliffe. The Iliffes lovingly restored the property, furnishing it with 18th-century art and antiques that reflect the mansion's original splendor. Their meticulous efforts ensured that Basildon Park was brought back to life as a family home and preserved for future generations. In 1978, the Iliffes gifted the house and grounds to the National Trust, ensuring its long-term care and protection.