Hall Barn facts for kids
Hall Barn is a historic country house located in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England. It's a grand old home with a long and interesting past.
Contents
History of Hall Barn
Early Days and Builders
The land where Hall Barn stands was first bought in 1624 by Anne Waller. Her son, Edmund Waller, built the main house in the late 1600s. Edmund Waller was a famous poet. He also served as a Member of Parliament, which means he was part of the government that made laws for England. Later, his grandson added a new section to the south side of the house.
New Owners and Royal Visits
The Waller family sold Hall Barn in 1832 to Sir Gore Ouseley, 1st Baronet. He made changes to the front of the house. In 1880, Edward Levy-Lawson, 1st Baron Burnham bought the estate. He made many improvements to the house and its grounds. His family, the Lawsons, still look after Hall Barn today!
Important people, including members of the royal family, have visited Hall Barn. For example, the Duke of Cambridge visited in 1902. In the 1940s, Princess Royal attended a big event for the Girl Guides at Hall Barn.
Hall Barn During Wartime
During the Second World War, Hall Barn was used to help with the war effort. It became a place where hospital supplies were stored. This shows how the house played a part in important national events.
Special Features of the Estate
Hall Barn is considered a very important historic building. It is "listed Grade II*", which means it has special historical or architectural importance. Its beautiful park and gardens are also listed as Grade II on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. This means they are protected because of their historical design.
Around the estate, you can find other old and interesting structures. These include a boathouse, an obelisk (a tall, narrow monument), and a pavilion called the "Temple of Venus." These all date back to the 1700s and are also listed as Grade II*.
Filming Location for Movies and TV Shows
Hall Barn is so grand and beautiful that it has been chosen as a setting for many famous movies and TV shows!
- In the movie Gosford Park (2001), the opening scenes outside Lady Trentham's home were filmed here. The "Temple of Venus" was also used for a lunch scene.
- The black gatehouse of Hall Barn was featured in an episode of Midsomer Murders called "Sins of Commission" (2004).
- Fans of Downton Abbey might recognize Hall Barn as Loxley House, the home of Sir Anthony Strallan.
- The Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire (1981) used Hall Barn as the home of Lord Andrew Lindsay. He famously practiced hurdling on the lawn, balancing champagne glasses on the hurdles!
- Hall Barn was also used as Delaford House in the mini-series Sense and Sensibility (2008).
- The movie Black Beauty (1994) also filmed scenes at Hall Barn.
