We hope that when you visit us, you will feel that you are in the relaxed atmosphere of a family house. At Chavenage you can escape into the peaceful surroundings of a Cotswold manor, virtually unchanged for 400 years.
Caroline Lowsley-Williams, Chavenage.

Statement from Caroline Lowsley-Williams:

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Rona Lowsley-Williams (25 March 1936–19 July 2025).

It is the end of an era here at Chavenage, with Rona dying in her sleep, in the house she had been the chatelaine and matriarch for 67 years.. a peaceful end to a long life. Rona and David were gifted the Chavenage Estate as a wedding present in April 1958 and took joint responsibility in looking after the house and wider estate. They transformed the house from a fading Edwardian household into a visitor attraction as well as throwing the doors open for events. Many Weddings Receptions and other celebrations took place at Chavenage, including years of Shakespeare on the Lawn over the years with Rona very much there behind the scenes doing the boring jobs, car parking, cleaning the loos, taking the money, etc.

In essence though she was an 'outdoors' lady, loving the horses both breeding them and riding and of course hunting with the Beaufort. There were always dogs about and they loved her as she loved them. Though she will probably be most remembered for her tireless work with the herd of Black & Whites. At one stage she oversaw the dairy operation at Chavenage that had over 230 milking cows. She was thoroughly envolved in the breeding programme, chosing the right bulls. She went to Canada several times to buy into the Holstein blood lines. Rona was a keen member of both the West Midland Club and the Wiltshire Club – both were clubs for Holstein Friesian breeders and she was President of the Wiltshire Club for several years. The routine side of livestock management suited her well, she much enjoyed the daily regime of looking after calves, not only the feeding but the mucking out too.

The herd was dispersed in later years, her attention afterwards turned to the garden. Often outside well into the evening and sometimes in the dark, doing the necessary in the gardens around the house. The same gardens that when she arrived at Chavenage had 5 gardeners – it was now just her and the family. Throughout her time at Chavenage she was supported by loyal staff – Paddy Jackson, Della Robins and David Davis stand out and she was never happier than in their company.

Rona leaves a great legacy, though the one which will mean most to her was the family. Her three children George, Caroline and Joanna all live on the Estate and two of her grandchildren have made their homes at Chavenage as well, plus two great-grandchildren. Family meant a huge amount to Rona, her own family the McCorquodales had rallied around when her and her brother Colin became orphans in early 1944, and then the Lowsley-Williams. As she would have wished she was surrounded by her family at her funeral service at Beverston Church, with over 80 relations coming to wish her well on her final journey.

YouTube tribute from her grandson James Lowsley-Williams.

- Group visits at £12 a head (with a minimum group size of 21 – if under 21 persons, a base rate of £250 will be introduced).
- Individuals added to a pre-booked group: Adults £12, Children £6 (plus £5 administration charge).
- Individual visits at a date to suit, i.e. a bespoke tour, at the base rate of £250

The Office remains open for any enquires – thank you for your co-operation and understanding.
– tel +44 (0)1666 504696, or email caroline@chavenage.com

Brochure download

Look who is walking through Chavenage House !! Poldark page

Come and see 'Trenwith', the Poldark family pile, owned by Charles Poldark (played by the late Warren Clarke), and actually 'played' by Chavenage House in Tetbury.
Sunday Times article
Wilts and Glos article

Life at the Manor



We are Emma and James Lowsley-Williams, the proud inheritors of the Chavenage Estate, a 2000-acre Cotswold estate that’s been in James’s family for six generations. At the heart of the estate is the magnificent 500-year-old Elizabethan Manor, and now it’s our turn to continue its legacy. Join us on our journey as we navigate the challenges of owning, running, and preserving this historic estate in the modern world. From renovating the manor, launching new businesses, to uncovering the rich history of the estate, we’ll take you behind the scenes of our adventure. Instagram: @lifeatthemanor1 @jamesl_w TikTok: @chavenage For inquiries: james.chavenage@gmail.com

Pro Cyclist Vs. .....His Dad!? | Road Bike Takes on E-Bike, But Who is Faster? Global Cycling Network, 9 August 2020



Despite being the father of an ex professional cyclist, George Lowsley-Williams, also known as Hank's dad, hasn't ridden a bike in over 20 years! Hank decided it was time for this to change, and invited his old man out on one of his training loops so they could ride together for the first time. "Absolutely excellent video in every way—great quality, brilliant editing, hilariously funny and in places quite touching. GCN at it’s best". GH.

Guest Speaker: Thursdays with Anne Diamond, with George and Caroline Lowsley-Williams - Viking, July 30 2020



Guest Speaker Thursdays are hosted by Guest Lecturers who would have been presenting to you onboard, or people who have led extraordinary lives. Legendary BBC broadcaster Anne Diamond launches our first Guest Speaker Thursdays, with a treasure trove of stories from her broadcasting days.

We visited on Bank Holiday Monday and were captivated by the atmosphere and warmth of Chavenage. I just wanted to extend my appreciation of the tour provided by (and I beg his pardon if I remember his name incorrectly!) David Lowsley-Williams as the tour he provided was such a refreshing change from the "average guided tours" provided by so many! We had the opportunity to exchange a few words with a very pleasant female family member after the tour and found her gracious and charming. How lovely that the family are so willing to ensure that their visitors feel a valued part of Chavenage. Thank You. I shall be enthusing the charms of Chavenage to friends and colleagues.
Laura-Jaine

This is undoubtedly the best guided tour we have ever experienced. Caroline’s delivery of the potted history of both the family and the house is excellent and hugely entertaining. Although tours are between 2 and 5pm on both a Thursday and Sunday, one needs to arrive promptly in order to benefit from the full two hour tour. We will definitely return and would highly recommend a visit. Excellent value for money!
Ashley C

Disabled Access.
Chavenage is an Elizabethan building retaining many of its original features (dating from before 1576). As a result, there is unfortunately no wheelchair access, and there are steps and uneven floors throughout the house.

Health and Safety Advice.
In the gardens there are uneven surfaces, non-edible plants, low branches, and slippery surfaces in wet weather. In the building there are some steep stone steps, low doorways, uneven and slippery floors, and other steps not immediately obvious. Children should always be accompanied while visiting Chavenage.