An 1828 engraving of the house from "Neale's Views of Seats"
The house after the 1910 fire
Earlier Houses: There was an earlier house on the site of the current house.
Built / Designed For: Sir George Sondes
House & Family History: Lees Court was destroyed by fire in November of 1910 (see "Images" section) and rebuilt to exacting standards that replicated the original house. In the early 21st century the Countess Sondes started a company called Seeds the Countess Sondes that markets cosmetics based on wheat germ oil grown on the 4,500-acre Lees Estate.
Architect: Inigo Jones
Date: 1650Architect: John Soane
Date: Late 18th centuryJohn Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. IV, 1828.
Country Life: LII, 178, 210 plan, 1922.
Title: Glory of the English House, The
Author: Esher, Lionel
Year Published: 1997
Reference: pg. 73
Publisher: London: Barrie & Jenkins
ISBN: 0752904434
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Grade II
Current Seat / Home of: Countess Sondes
Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Sir George Sondes, later 1st Earl of Feversham, 17th century. Louis, Lord Duras of Holdenby, late 17th century. Lewes Watson, 1st Earl of Rockingham, early 18th century. Lewis Monson, 1st Earl Sondes, 18th century.
Current Ownership Type: Corporation
Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family
Ownership Details: Sold to a developer in 1975 and divided into flats, one of which is occupied by the Sondes family.
House Open to Public: No
Phone: 01227-731-331
Historic Houses Member: No