Experience life on a grand scale (From Gazette & Herald)

Experience life on a grand scale

TWO hundred rooms, breathtaking views and 450 acres of picturesque parkland - what more could you ask for?

Duncombe Park, situated near Helmsley and home to Lord and Lady Feversham, is open all year round.

The Duncombe family's connection with Helmsley began when the Helmsley estate was purchased in 1689 by Sir Charles Duncombe, a London goldsmith. He had the mansion built and, when it was completed in 1713, his nephew Thomas moved in as the first occupant.

However, the house had to be rebuilt in the aftermath of a fire in 1879. Great care and splendid workmanship ensured the house was re built to the original design. The death of the second earl of Feversham prompted the house to be let as a girl's boarding school for 60 years.

Nevertheless, in 1986, Lord and Lady Feversham reclaimed the building and took on the extensive task of restoring the interior and exterior of the house. With the help of the finest craftsmen, the house was soon ready for the family - direct descendants of Thomas Duncombe - to move back in.

As well as being open for tourist and family visits, Duncombe Park also caters for larger groups such as school parties, scouts, guides and youth clubs. Specific walks are designed for young children in Years One and Two, and Key Stage Two and Three walks are also available, with activity packs provided. For more information on group bookings, call Liz Williams on (01439) 770213.

Lord and Lady Feversham have welcomed school parties since 1995, and every year the pupils from the Year Six class at Helmsley Community Primary School visit the house and meet Lord and Lady Feversham. The parkland and surrounding forest provide many attractions for children, such as the Ice House, the Miracle Tree, the Hollow Tree Home and even Humpty Dumpty.

Events which are coming up include an antiques fair from November 7 to 9, 10.30am-5pm, £4.50. For more information, call Galloway Antiques on (01423) 522122.

Also, there is a Christmas craft festival from November 22 to 23, 10am-5pm, £3 (accompanied under-15s free). For more information, call Jean Harris Craft Fairs Ltd on (01423) 545377.

Updated: 10:35 Wednesday, November 05, 2003