Introduction
The site has a mid-Victorian landscaped park with small garden. There was a mid-19th-century remodelling of an 1830-1840 house. The parkland survives, as does the Wellingtonia, some shrubs and small area of lawn. Much school building is now underway, encroaching on the garden and the edge of the parkland.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
- History
Grateley House as it exists today appears to be the work of William Boutcher, originally a Devon man with a leather factor business in London. He was resident there at the time of acquiring Grateley House some time in the 1850s. He bought it from a local landowner and farmer, William Gale. It developed as a small country residence with extensive stabling and a courtyard. A kitchen garden to the west was also laid out. The lawns before the new veranda seem to be unchanged from 1830, but a Wellingtonia, shrubbery and yews have been added.
The property remained in the Boutcher family until 1974, the house being used by the Home Guard during World War 2 and the parkland being used by the two village cricket teams as well as providing the venue for village celebrations of various kinds. After 1974 it was owned by Alexander Ebelthite and used briefly as a photographic centre but little maintenance was done. Purchased in 1981/1982 by a group of trustees including a descendant of the Boutcher family, the house was remodelled as a school and three houses were built on land of the former kitchen garden.
Period
Victorian (1837-1901)
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Grateley House
- Grade: II
Features
- Gate
- Wall
- School (featured building)
- Latest Date:
- Specimen Tree
- Description: Wellingtonia
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Education
Period
Victorian (1837-1901)
Survival
Part: standing remains
Hectares
4
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Grately
- References
Contributors
Hampshire Gardens Trust
Jan Church