And it is ‘such stuff as dreams are made on’
Despite being the greatest writer in the English language, relatively little is known about William Shakespeare’s personal life. Yet one corner of the Midlands is filled with gems related to The Bard. From his 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡place on Henley Street in Stratford-Upon-Avon to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in the surrounding countryside – for Shakespearian enthusiasts, biographical breadcrumbs are there to be found.
One more such breadcrumb is Luddington Manor. Now on the market for £3.4 million, it is here that Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. Well, sort of. Located in Luddington, a village on the river Avon, according to some historical maps, the manor is the former site of All Saints church where there is ‘circumstantial evidence’ (notes the village website) that Shakespeare and Hathaway tied the knot in 1582.
If this feels a bit tenuous (the former church no longer exists), then the Shakespearian connections do not end there. The manor, which dates back to the 16th century, with later Georgian and Victorian additions, was once part of the Marquis of Hertford’s Ragley Hall Estate and between 1706 and 1775 the property was reportedly occupied by descendants of Anne Hathaway.
Certified history or not, there is no doubt that Luddington Manor is, to quote Shakespeare himself, ‘such stuff as dreams are made on.’ The eight-bedroom property – although modern in its comforts – feels authentically rustic in its charms. ‘The house has well balanced, beautifully presented family accommodation including fine fireplaces, tiled, flagstone and timber floors and original staircases,’ reads the listing. ‘The current owners have decorated the property in a rich palette of colours to create a unique home.’ Particularly memorable is the vaulted indoor swimming pool.
The house also has a cottage with two bedrooms and a kitchen – making it viable as an independent living space – as well as a Coach House with a garage. While no Juliet balcony features anywhere, a fittingly Shakespearean flower does. As well as magnolias, shrubs, spring bulbs, walnuts, figs, clematis and crab apples, the front and back garden feature copious rose bushes. A tribute to the Bard or just a horticultural coincidence, they will certainly make the garden smell pretty sweet.
The house is for sale via Savills.
BEN NICHOLSON
