Avington Park, near Winchester, holds a captivating allure that has enchanted visitors for centuries. Lauded by William Cobbett as a pinnacle of natural beauty, this idyllic spot has retained its enchanting charm, its landscapes still teeming with an abundance of wildlife.

History whispers tales of royal indulgence there. 

It was at Avington Park that the charismatic King Charles II sought respite from the pressures of the crown, often in the company of his beloved mistress, Nell Gwyn. 

As the grand project of constructing a palatial summer residence in Winchester, under the masterful eye of Christopher Wren, unfolded, the king found solace in the tranquil embrace of Avington.

Sir George Brydges, a favoured courtier bestowed with the title of "groom of the bedchamber" and a generous annual stipend, graciously welcomed the monarch and his entourage to his estate in Avington while the plans were being carried out. 

In anticipation of Wren's architectural masterpiece, which was to be adorned by a stately avenue leading to Winchester Cathedral, the king and his companions made Avington their temporary haven. 

(Image: Echo)

To accommodate their royal guests, Brydges undertook an ambitious expansion of the Elizabethan house, culminating in the construction of a magnificent banqueting hall designed for opulent feasting and revelry.

Nell Gwyn, the king's captivating companion, was treated with a level of opulence befitting royalty. 

Her private chamber was a testament to her elevated status, adorned with lavish gold wallpaper and furnished with a bed crafted from silver. 

The house's architectural splendour also extended to its exterior, boasting one of England's earliest classical porticoes, believed to have been inspired by Wren's iconic design for St Paul's Cathedral.

Subsequent renovations in the 18th century bestowed upon Avington House its Georgian facade, a testament to the evolving tastes of the era. 

George Brydges married the notorious Countess of Shrewsberry, who was often referred to as “Pretty Witty Nell’’,  is said to have disguised herself as a page and held the horse of her lover, the Duke of Buckingham, when he fought a duel with her husband. 

(Image: Echo)

No one knows exactly when the first dwelling was established, but the estate is said to have existed as long ago as AD 961 when Edgar, King of the Angles is recorded as giving “the house and five manses’’ to Winchester Cathedral.

Intriguingly, the estate was once owned by Sir John Shelly, the younger brother of the renowned poet, remaining within the family's stewardship until the mid-20th century.

Today, Avington Park stands as a living testament to its illustrious past. 

While privately owned, its grandeur continues to captivate, serving as a sought-after venue for corporate events, film and television productions, weddings, and fashion photography. 

As visitors explore its enchanting grounds and gaze upon the historic house, they can't help but be transported to a bygone era of royal splendour and intrigue.