The House (left) and the Park from a circa 1820 print
Beau Brummell from a 19th century engraving
Built / Designed For: James Pettit Andrews
House & Family History: Donnington Grove, a castellated house of blue brick, was built for James Pettit Andrews, an academic and author of many archaeological papers and a history of England. Circa 1785 a large Drawing Room in a classical style was added on the north side of the House. Donnington was the childhood home of Beau (George Bryan) Brummell, the man who, in the early 19th century, forever changed men's fashion (he is credited with introducing the modern suit and necktie to menswear). In the mid-20th century Donnington Grove was home to one of the world's most valuable collections of jewelry -- that of Daisy Fellowes, international style icon and wife of Reginald Fellowes.
Comments: Pevsner called Donnington Grove "a little Gothic gem."
Garden & Outbuildings: Extant in the grounds are a Gothick Fishing Lodge, a three-arched bridge, and a brick Stableblock with stepped gables.
Country Life: CXXIV, 588, 654, 714, 1958.
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 1995
Reference: pg. 247
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300072074
Book Type: Softback
Title: Buildings of England: Berkshire, The
Author: Pevsner, Nikolaus
Year Published: 1966
Publisher: London: Penguin Books
ISBN: NA
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade II*
Park Listed: Grade II
Past Seat / Home of: James Pettit Andrews, 1763-83. William (Beau) Brummell, late 18th century. The Hon. Reginald Fellowes, mid-20th century; Fellowes family here until 1991.
Current Ownership Type: Corporation
Primary Current Ownership Use: Hotel
House Open to Public: By Appointment
Phone: 01635-581-000
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.donnington-grove.com
Historic Houses Member: No