
About Stowe House
From Humble Beginnings to Palladian Ambition
Stowe is a truly remarkable place, steeped in history and brimming with stories waiting to be discovered. To understand its present, we must first uncover its past. Once one of Britain’s earliest tourist attractions, complete with the very first printed guidebook, Stowe has always been a place of curiosity and inspiration. Now, we invite you to turn a digital page and journey with us through time—from its early beginnings and the dazzling rise (and dramatic fall) of England’s richest family to its modern-day survival and evolution.
But the story doesn’t end there. Dive into the next chapter to explore over 25 years of painstaking restoration and learn how we’re working to return Stowe to its former glory. As a charity, we rely on support to safeguard this extraordinary place for generations to come—whether through donations, attending specialist tours, or simply spreading the word. Your involvement is key to keeping Stowe’s story alive.

History
The story of Stowe and the Temple-Grenville family is one of ambition, grandeur, politics and dramatic twists. The rise of their fame and fortune through the 18th and early 19th centuries is matched only by their dramatic fall. Read all about the history of Stowe House in this article.
Turn the Page
Restoration
Stowe House has seen 300 years of change—from a famed tourist attraction to the rise and fall of its owners. Today, ongoing restoration is bringing its rich history back to life.
Time Travel With UsThe sheer cumulative scale of these works, the underlying pragmatism that allows the building to continue to function as a school, and the quality of what has been achieved, has established new restoration standards.Stowe House: Winner of 'Restoration of a Georgian Country House' - The Georgian Group Award Judges