Badminton House is a stately home situated in South Gloucestershire, England. It has been home to the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort since the 16th century, and is one of the most iconic and impressive country houses in the UK. But does anyone actually live in Badminton House today?
History of Badminton House
Badminton House was first built in 1608, and since then has been the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort. The house was owned by the Somerset family, who then sold it to the Duke of Beaufort in 1682. Since then, the house has been passed down from generation to generation.
The house has an impressive history and has hosted many grand events over the years. It is perhaps best known for hosting the first ever game of lawn tennis, which was played in the grounds in 1873.
The house is Grade I listed and is the second largest private residence in the UK, after Windsor Castle. The house is set in an impressive estate of 12,000 acres, and includes a deer park, a lake and formal gardens.
Does Anyone Live in Badminton House?
The Duke and Duchess of Beaufort still own Badminton House, but they do not actually live there. The house is only used for state visits and ceremonial occasions.
The house is managed by the Badminton Estate, which is owned by the Duke and Duchess. The estate is responsible for the upkeep of the house and its grounds.
The house is open to the public, and visitors can take guided tours of the house and grounds. The house also hosts many events throughout the year, such as the Badminton Horse Trials, which is an internationally renowned equestrian event.
The House Today
The house is still as grand and impressive as it was in the past. It has been carefully maintained over the years and retains many of its original features.
The house is still owned by the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, and is managed by the Badminton Estate. The house is open to the public for tours and events, but the Duke and Duchess do not actually live there.
Conclusion
Badminton House is an iconic stately home that has been in the ownership of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort since the 17th century. The house is Grade I listed and is an impressive example of a grand country house.
The house is still owned by the Duke and Duchess, but they do not actually live there. The house is managed by the Badminton Estate, and is open to the public for tours and events.