The house from an early 20th century postcard
Earlier Houses: There was probably an Anglo-Saxon house on the site of the current house.
Built / Designed For: Sir William Warham
House & Family History: An unusual feature of Great Fosters is that both staircases are housed in square-topped brick towers. The arms of Anne Boleyn are used as the emblem of Great Fosters. Between 1767 and the early 19th century the house was home to a lunatic asylum. Great Fosters opened as a hotel in 1930, a purpose it has served ever since.
Garden & Outbuildings: The stables and the Dower House are circa 1631.
Architect: William Henry Romaine-Walker
Date: 1918Architect: Unknown (designed by an unknown architect)
Date: Circa 1631Country Life: LII, 610, 640, 1922.
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Grade II*
Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Sir William Warham, 16th century. Sir John Doddridge, until 1628. Sir Robert Foster, until 1663; Sir Thomas Foster, 1663-85; Foster family here from 1639 until 1685. Sir Charles Orbey, circa 1715. Halkett family, 19th century. William Ward, 1st Earl of Dudley, 19th century. The Hon. Gerald Samuel Montague, early 20th century. Sir Harold Sutcliffe, 1929-30.
Current Ownership Type: Corporation
Primary Current Ownership Use: Hotel
Ownership Details: Today The Great Fosters Estate & Utopia Retreat
House Open to Public: By Appointment
Phone: 01784-433-822
Fax: 01784-472-455
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://alexanderhotels.co.uk/
Historic Houses Member: No