Snowshill Manor - a Grade 2* listed treasure trove

By Vikki Rushbrook Insurance Advisor

A stone manor house with a steep roof stands at the end of a wet stone path, surrounded by green lawn and garden walls.

Share

In the heart of the Cotswolds lies Snowshill Manor & Garden, a place where history, imagination, and eccentricity converge.

Snowshill Manor is a Grade II* listed building, recognized for its architectural and cultural importance. Built in the late 16th century, the manor features classic Cotswold stonework, mullioned windows, and layered additions from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The estate also includes listed garden buildings, a dovecote, brewhouse, and gate piers, all contributing to its historic charm.

Now owned and managed by the National Trust, this extraordinary estate is not just a manor house—it’s a living museum of curiosities, a theatrical garden, and a testament to the creative spirit of its most famous resident, Charles Paget Wade.

Charles Paget Wade: Collector, creator, curator

Wade was an architect, artist, and poet who believed in the value of craftsmanship and the beauty of everyday objects. His motto “Let nothing perish” guided his lifelong passion for collecting. From curiosities gathered on trips and antique toys to musical instruments and bicycles, his collection spans cultures and centuries and has been thoughtfully displayed at Snowshill.

Inside Snowshill

Step into Snowshill Manor, and you enter a world curated not for comfort, but for wonder. The interiors are a theatrical maze of dimly lit rooms, each densely packed with objects from Wade’s vast and eclectic collection, everything from samurai armour and antique toys to clocks, masks, and model ships. Rather than organizing items by era or origin, Wade arranged them by mood and visual harmony, creating immersive spaces that feel more like stage sets than traditional museum displays. Each room packs a fascinating and thoughtful created surprise. The entire house remains a testament to Wades creative flair.

A dimly lit room displaying several suits of traditional Japanese samurai armor in various poses.

Secret passageways and theatrical surprises

Wade’s love of drama extended to the architecture of the manor. He installed secret passageways and hidden doors to surprise his guests, often appearing unexpectedly or guiding them through concealed routes. These features added a sense of mystery and playfulness to every visit.

Despite the beauty and wonder he created in Snowshill Manor, intriguingly, Wade never lived in the manor itself.

Historic stone manor with mossy roof, surrounded by manicured lawn, stone walls, and tall evergreen trees.

The Priest’s House

While the manor dazzled with its theatrical displays, Wade chose to live in the Priest’s House, a small, humble cottage adjacent to the main building. This decision reflected his minimalist lifestyle and deep commitment to preserving the manor as a stage for his collection.

The Priest’s House served as Wade’s private retreat. Its modest scale and quiet atmosphere offered a stark counterpoint to the curated chaos of the manor. Steeped in history, the cottage was even rumoured to be haunted by a monk. This contrast underscores Wade’s philosophy: he valued creativity and craftsmanship over luxury, and preferred to live simply while dedicating his resources to celebrating the handmade and the curious.

The Garden

Designed in collaboration with Arts and Crafts architect M.H. Baillie Scott, the garden is laid out as a series of outdoor “rooms.” Terraces, ponds, and vibrant borders create a sensory experience that mirrors the creativity found inside the manor.

Snowshill village famously appeared in Bridget Jones’s Diary, transformed into a snowy wonderland for the turkey curry buffet scene—filmed in the middle of summer!

You can read more about Grade listed properties used in film and TV in our article all on the subject.

Whether you’re drawn by its rich history, enchanted by its eccentric charm, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Snowshill Manor & Garden offers a truly magical experience. Thanks to the stewardship of the National Trust, Wade’s legacy continues to inspire wonder in every visitor.

You can learn more about visiting Snowshill on the National Trust website.

Wolf’s Cove: The miniature village

In the garden lies Wolf’s Cove, a miniature harbour village built by Wade in the 1920s. Crafted with meticulous detail, it includes tiny cottages, boats, and quayside scenes. Designed as a theatrical set, it reflects Wade’s fascination with storytelling and maritime life.

A stone courtyard garden with a rectangular pond of lily pads, old stone walls, and a historic building in the background.

Listed property insurance

Charles Paget Wade was driven by a deep reverence for craftsmanship and heritage. His life’s work at Snowshill Manor was not just about collecting, it was about preserving the beauty and ingenuity of the past for future generations. Wade understood that historic wonders deserved more than admiration; they required protection. At Abode, we feel the same. Just as Wade curated and cared for his treasures with meticulous attention, Abode provides specialist insurance cover for listed buildings that truly takes into consideration the unique character and complexity of historic properties—ensuring they’re properly protected.

If you own a listed building and would like a quote or advice, please call us today on 01622 476433. We’re here to help you protect what matters most.