Rodmarton Manor

About the museum

Rodmarton Manor was built between 1909 and 1929 for Claud and Margaret Biddulph. The architect was Ernest Barnsley, a follower of William Morris and a leading figure of the Cotswold Arts and Crafts movement. Instead of employing a building contractor, the Biddulphs worked directly with local craftspeople, using local stone and timber. The designer Charles Robert Ashbee, who visited in 1914, praised the house as built on confidence rather than contract.

Ernest's brother Sidney Barnsley was the main furniture maker, and much of the furniture made for the house is still in its rooms. The house reflects the movement's ideals of honest construction, handcraft, regional character and objects suited to their purpose.

Rodmarton is still a family home. It is lived in by the fourth and fifth generations of the Biddulph family, who open it to the public on selected days. Ernest Barnsley also planned the eight-acre garden as a series of outdoor rooms, including terraces, topiary, a kitchen garden, white borders and herbaceous borders, and its original layout survives.

Highlights

• Arts and Crafts house built by local craftspeople between 1909 and 1929
• Furniture designed and made for the house by Sidney Barnsley and other Cotswold makers
• Eight-acre garden laid out as a series of outdoor rooms
• Tearoom serving homemade cakes on open days
• Still a private family home

Permanent exhibitions

• The Arts and Crafts house – The house and its furniture, built and made by Cotswold craftspeople for the Biddulph family.
• The Cotswold garden – Eight acres of gardens designed as a series of outdoor rooms, with borders, topiary and a kitchen garden.

Founded

1926

Operated by

Biddulph family

Admission & discounts

Tickets can be booked in advance or paid for on the day, and contactless payment is preferred. Members of Historic Houses enter free through the Members Access Scheme. Refreshments can be arranged for groups of 20 or more.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchair users can reach the ground floor of the house and most of the garden. Toilets are located in the grounds. Dogs are not allowed.

Kids & families

Children aged 5 to 15 pay a reduced entry fee, and school visits are available.

Getting there & parking

The approach from Stroud via the Frampton Mansell junction is a narrow lane that is unsuitable for coaches. Coaches should go via Cirencester and the A433.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The tearoom is open during public opening hours and serves tea, coffee and homemade cakes, with light lunches in June and July. Colour guides and postcards are on sale.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The manor can be used for small functions and as a film location. Outdoor events such as an open-air opera are held in the grounds.

Plan your visit