Built / Designed For: Edward Bickerton Evans

House & Family History: Whitbourne was built for E.B. Evans, an amateur archaeologist (he led an exhibition to Palmyra) who made a fortune in wine and vinegar. Evans was determined to have a house that would stand out, and he got it. Whitbourne was built of a very fine stone and has an enormous Ionic portico of six columns based on the Erectheum on the Acropolis. The portico is flanked on each side by one bay and there are the remains of a huge conservatory attached to the back of the house. The top-lit central hall measures 40 by 50 feet and has pillars and columns that carry a gallery and a grand imperial staircase. Whitbourne was sold in 1980, along with 1,200 acres, to Whitbourne Hall Community Limited, a corporation owned by a group of local families. They converted the house into 20 flats for their homes, while leaving the formal reception rooms intact, together with their original furnishings (these rooms are available for events).

Comments: Peter Reid, writing in "Burke's & Savills Guide to Country House: Volume II: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire": Whitbourne is "a remarkable example of high-Victorian taste."

Garden & Outbuildings: The house is today set in nine acres of grounds.

Country Life: CLVII, 702, 774, 1975.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Edward Bickerton Evans, 19th century.

Current Ownership Type: Flat Owners Company / Condo Association

Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family

Ownership Details: Owned by Whitbourne Hall Community Ltd.; parts of the house are available for weddings and events.

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.whitbournehall.com/

Historic Houses Member: No