House & Family History: Douce's Manor was built in 1783 for the Douce family, who occupied it until 1803. It later was sold to the Savage family and then, in 1916, became a rest and recuperation center for the wounded from World War I. Later the House served as a convalescent home for "gentle ladies of modest means." The Royal Air Force occupied Douce's Manor during World War II, after which it fell into decay. The House was rescued by Ian Bryant, who converted Douce's Manor into a hotel, restaurant, and conference center. Bryant sold the House to Commercial Union insurance in 1975 for use as a conference center.
Garden & Outbuildings: The former Estate has long been broken up; 140 acres near the House is today a country park maintained by the local council. Eight acres remain attached to the House.
Title: Country House in the 1980s, The
Author: Young, John
Year Published: 1981
Reference: pgs. 109-113
Publisher: London: George Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 0047200227
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade II*
Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: Douce family, 1783-1803. Savage family.
Current Ownership Type: Corporation
Primary Current Ownership Use: Training Center
Ownership Details: Now an insurance training center
House Open to Public: No Access to House - Grounds Open to Public
Historic Houses Member: No