House Tours

Houghton Lodge is one of the finest and earliest surviving example of a Cottage Ornée – a genre of ‘picturesque’ Gothic architecture that flourished for about 25 years from 1790. Houghton was thought to be designed in 1790 by John Plaw – one of the pioneers of the style – and was probably intended as a fishing lodge. Some fishing lodge! Today the house is Grade II* listed and regularly attracts visits from students of architecture and has become one of the must see houses to visit Hampshire has to offer. With extensive fine trees and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the River Test, it is arguably one of the most beautiful privately owned historic houses and gardens in Hampshire.

House Tour Pricing

We have introduced a new dynamic pricing structure for House Tours:

Tickets bought on arrival in The Tea Room for a House Tour (includes Garden):
9-10.00am  £38.00
10-11.00am £38.00
11.00-12.00pm  £28.00
12.00-1.00pm £38.00

House Tour Tickets bought online (Including garden entry):
9-10.00 £35.00 (plus £1.68 booking fee) £36.68
10-11.00 £35.00 (plus £1.68) booking fee) £36.68
11.00-12.00 £25.00 (plus £1.00p booking fee) £26.00
12.00-1.00 £35.00 (plus £1.68 booking fee) £36.68

Book Tickets
Family photo May 2025: Benjamin and Elektra (3), Sophie, Daniel, Lucy and Atticus (6 months), Joanna and Augusta (1), Amelia and Isabella (6), Oliver and Max (4). The paws belong to Spook (Spaniel), Ceira (Irish Terrier) and Grizelda (Irish Terrier) is hiding!

Visiting The House

We are delighted to welcome you to the house. You will be guided by one of the family whenever possible, or by a guide. We try to make the tours interesting and amusing to bring out the personality of our family home. You will learn about Cottage Orné, see the beauty of the exquisite rooms, and listen to the stories and history that have been part of this house since it was built in 1793. The rooms are not very big so we are afraid they are not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and not suitable for children.

The cost is from £25pp which includes garden entry. If you come to the tearoom you will be met there and guided to and round the house after which you are welcome to wander round the gardens at your leisure with our map, and the tearoom is full of delicious treats to enjoy whenever you need a break.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to our family home and sharing it’s history with you.

Daniel and Sophie

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