Earlier Houses: There was an earlier house sited near the current house.
Built / Designed For: Christopher Horton
House & Family History: Catton is all that a grand Midlands Georgian house should be—four square, red brick, and generously fenestrated. The current house was built by William Smith of Warwick in 1741 (there was an earlier house to the south of the parterre) for the Horton family, whose descendants still inhabit it today. The Hortons were a wealthy Cheshire gentry family who came to Catton in 1404. In the 19th century Lady Wilmot-Horton of Catton was immortalized by Lord Byron with the famous words "She walks in beauty, like the night." Catton is a rectangular three-story house of 93 feet by 70 feet and nine by six bays. The central hall feels like it belongs to an even grander house; rococo plasterwork adorns the walls around elaborate wooden doorcases, giving the room the feeling of a great space. (We are very grateful to Oliver Gerrish for this history of Catton).
Collections: The collection includes a campaign chair that belonged to Napoleon while he was in exile on St. Helena.
Chapel & Church: "A private chapel of 1892 nestles close to the house—the dark and rich Victorian interior has a distinctly Brideshead-type quality to it." -Oliver Gerrish
Architect: William Smith the Younger
Date: 1741-45Country Life: CXXVII, 566, 624, 1960.
House Listed: Grade II*
Park Listed: Not Listed
Current Seat / Home of: Robin and Katie Neilson
Past Seat / Home of: Christopher Horton, 18th century.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
Ownership Details: Available for weddings and events
House Open to Public: By Appointment
Phone: 01283-716-311
Fax: 01283-712-876
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.catton-hall.com
Historic Houses Member: Yes