Hidden Tunnels & Lost Royal Jewels: Discover The Secrets Of Haslingfield Manor

Beyond their timeless aesthetics, the best thing about old buildings are the secrets they hold: the staircase spiralling up behind the bookcase, the door camouflaged into the wallpaper, the servants’ corridors hiding between the walls and the collection of artefacts with stories to tell. Complete with a moat, long-lost tunnels and a royal rumour, Haslingfield Manor ticks every box on the period property checklist.

Discover Haslingfield Manor

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The History Of Haslingfield Manor

Constructed in the mid-16th century, this Grade II* listed manor house was originally built and owned by court physician Thomas Wendy. Doctor to both King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, between their gout, ulcers, smallpox and lead poisoning, Wendy was undoubtedly a very busy man. While it’s not known whether Henry VIII ever paid a house call to the doctor, Queen Elizabeth I did pop over for a stay while travelling up to Cambridge in 1564. Unfortunately for poor Liz, rumour has it that she lost a ring during the visit. While no mental detector has yet to track down the jewel, you never know whether you’ll be the one to finally stumble across the heirloom. 

But long lost artefacts aren’t the only secrets this property holds. During renovation works conducted by previous owners, they discovered a network of tunnels beneath the house. Leading all the way to the village church, it’s believed the routes were built during the Reformation to provide secret escape routes to clergy fleeing religious persecution. 

Step Inside

Then known as Haslingfield Hall, all that remains today of the once vast H-shaped mansion, is a single wing. With a second floor and northern extension later added in the 17th century, these renovations brought the home to its current six-bedroom, three-storey stature. Overtime, the interiors have been both preserved and reimagined. Most recently, interior designer Isle Crawford of Studio Isle – best known for Soho House in New York and Babington House in Somerset – worked with the former and current owners to bring the house alive. While allowing each custodian to make their mark, she was careful to keep a continuous flow between the new and the old.

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‘Crossing the original moat one has the sense of stepping back in time, yet when you step inside the manor it feels incredibly contemporary,’ says current owner Caroline Hudack. Throughout, natural textures, muted tones and tactile materials celebrate the building’s fabric while creating a modern feel.

The current owners worked with Crawford to swap out the dark walls for a lighter green, introduce two home offices and rejig the upstairs layout. Other features include a principal bedroom with two dressing rooms and an ensuite, a yoga room which leads to a galleried landing, a balcony, industrial style kitchen-slash-breakfast room, converted gym, playroom and cinema. Despite these more modern touches, many period details remain, with timber bay windows, historic beams, original fireplaces, a wine cellar and double height library among the Tudor features on display.

And Out

Set within a moated island, the only way to enter (save, of course, swimming) is the driveway which spans across a red brick bridge dating back to the 1600s. Through the double doors in the drawing room, the home opens onto the three acre grounds, designed by RHS Chelsea Gold medal winner Dan Pearson. ‘The gardens were designed in harmony with the house,’ says Hudack, ‘and have been planted to provide year-round interest, with a series of garden rooms with winding pathways, from a structured rose garden to wildflower meadow and kitchen garden.’ Divided into ‘rooms that unfold’, details such as an original walled garden and formal planting retain the Tudor feel. Meanwhile, more modern updates include a grass tennis court, a wood-fired hot tub, cedar wood greenhouse, wooden playground and treehouse. 

Haslingfield Manor is on the market for £6.95m. Find out more at search.savills.com