Image Above by Tori Hancock Photography

ISCOYD HOUSE TOURS

In Association With Historic Houses

Those of you who regularly read the Iscoyd Blog will already be aware that we hosted two special tours of Iscoyd Park on Wednesday 2nd and Wednesday 16th August. Guided by the esteemed and conversant Philip Godsal Snr, visitors were shown around the house and gardens whilst listening to a personal history of the House and of the family who have lived there and live there still.

We were blessed with blue skies and balmy temperatures, rather fortunately given that so much of August was a washout, which meant that visitors could really take their time to enjoy the gardens and grounds of Iscoyd rather than dashing in and out to avoid the rain.

 

Iscoyd is a family home dating back to 1737. However, some parts date back to 1630 and there was certainly a dwelling on the site some centuries before that. The main house was first purchased by Philip Lake Godsal – the son of the leading coachmaker of the time – in 1843. Successive members of the family have added to the house and improved on it. For example P.L. Godsal added the portico and the dining room and Philip William Godsal, his son, was responsible for the bow to the drawing room in 1876. In the Second World War, the park at Iscoyd was requisitioned for use as a 1,500-bed hospital for United States Forces with a prisoner-of-war camp in the enclosure – a stark contrast to the elegance of the parkland and house in years gone by.

It was not until 1957 that the park was finally returned to the family. In 1964, Philip H. Godsal moved to Iscoyd and restored the Georgian façade. He died in 1982 and two years later his son, Philip Caulfeild Godsal who incidentally showed our guests around on the tours, moved in. A land agent, Philip Caulfeild gradually set about restoring all the outbuildings, re-roofing the main part of the house and ridding it of deathwatch beetle.

Iscoyd Park, as we know it today was the fruition of a huge restoration project completed by current owner, Philip Langley and his wife Susie back in 2010.

 

Philip Godsal Snr added the personal touch to the tour speaking at length and with great warmth about the artworks displayed around the house, including the painted mural on the landing which is infused with so many personal touches and hidden symbols. He provided plenty of really very fascinating facts about the Iscoyd hallway and the pieces of porcelain which can be found on the Armorial Landing. Much discussion was had in the Library too still filled with many beautiful and original books and so many of our visitors commented on the wonderful blend between acknowledging the past and weaving it seamlessly with modern day living.

Once the tour was over guests took the opportunity to have a spot of tea and cake produced by our talented culinary team. We think it’s safe to say it was a roaring success. If you missed out on the tours this year then please keep your eyes on our events page for upcoming house tours as there are plans to do some more in the not too distant future.

All our Iscoyd love xxx