The Story of Wootton Court: From Victorian Grandeur to Modern Apartments
Introduction
Wootton Court, a once-grand Victorian mansion, has undergone significant transformations over the years. Originally built in the late 1850s, it was later expanded and became the residence of the wealthy Wright family. Over time, however, its fortunes changed, and today it stands as The Hayes, a collection of luxury apartments that bear little resemblance to its former splendor.
The Origins of Wootton Court
Construction and Early Ownership
Wootton Court was constructed between 1859 and 1860 by Edward James King, presumably as a personal residence. Unfortunately, King passed away in 1860 before he could ever occupy the house. The property, along with 55 acres of lush pasture and meadows, was put up for auction.
The estate was purchased by Carl Frederick Trepplin, a cotton broker from Cheshire. Trepplin resided at Wootton Court—then known as Green Hayes—until 1882. During this period, the house remained relatively modest compared to its later grandeur.
The Wright Family and Wootton Court’s Transformation
Francis Beresford Wright’s Vision
Wootton Court’s history took a significant turn when it was acquired by Francis Beresford Wright (1838-1911). A wealthy industrialist, Wright was an iron and coal proprietor with interests in the Butterley Company in Derbyshire. Due to industrial expansion near his original home, Aldercar Hall, he sought a more peaceful setting and found it in Leek Wootton.
Married to Adeline Frances Henrietta Fitzherbert, the eldest daughter of Colonel Henry Fitzherbert of Somersall Herbert Hall, Wright had both the financial means and the motivation to transform Wootton Court into an opulent family estate. He extensively rebuilt and expanded the house, added beautifully landscaped gardens, and even enlarged the estate’s lake.
A Family Home for Seven Decades
For the next 70 years, Wootton Court remained in the hands of the Wright family. When Francis Beresford Wright passed away in 1911, his widow continued to live there until her death in 1924. Their son, Arthur Fitzherbert Wright (1865-1952), inherited the estate and moved his family from Aldercar Hall to Wootton Court.
Arthur Fitzherbert Wright was well-regarded in the local community. During World War II, Wootton Court served as a refuge, housing nurses from Warwick Hospital and offering shelter to those fleeing the bombings in Coventry. His generosity and warm personality earned him great respect among residents of the area.
Arthur Fitzherbert Wright at Wootton Court (My Heritage)
The Decline and Sale of Wootton Court
Post-War Changes and Auction
Following Arthur Fitzherbert Wright’s death in 1952, Wootton Court was put up for auction. The auction listing described an impressive estate, featuring:
- An entrance hall
- Four reception rooms
- A games room
- Fifteen bedrooms and dressing rooms
- Four bathrooms
- Seven attic rooms
Arthur’s widow relocated to Stone Edge, a residence built by Francis Beresford Wright in 1909. Meanwhile, the Wootton Court estate was sold to Aubrey Jones, a builder from Coventry. Under his ownership, the estate operated as a mixed farm, focusing on traditional crops.
New Ownership and Transformation
In 1972, the house was purchased by M.J.K. Smith, a well-known Warwickshire and England cricketer. Recognizing the estate’s potential, Smith converted several farm buildings into a country club, introducing a new chapter in its history. In 1987, he sold the property to Gordon Barrow, a local hotelier.
By 1990, the estate had evolved into the Wootton Court Country Club, a popular venue that included Wootton Court Farm and was later repurposed as a golf course. The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club was founded in 1994, with initial plans to develop a 150-bedroom hotel. However, this vision was never realized.
The Modern Era: Wootton Court Becomes The Hayes
Conversion into Luxury Apartments
In its final transformation, Wootton Court was renamed The Hayes and converted into a collection of luxury apartments. While the estate still retains its original layout, many of its historical architectural features have been lost. The once-distinctive central block was stripped of its castellation, leaving behind a building that appears more like a mid-century architectural experiment rather than a Victorian masterpiece.
The entire exterior was also refaced, covering its original brick and tile façade with a pebbledash finish. These changes significantly altered the mansion’s character, erasing much of its historic charm. What remains is a shadow of its former self—an echo of the grand estate that once stood proudly in Warwickshire.
Conclusion
Wootton Court’s journey from a modest Victorian house to a grand family estate and finally to modern luxury apartments is a tale of change, adaptation, and, in some ways, loss. While its transformation has allowed it to remain a functional living space, much of its historical grandeur has been erased. Nevertheless, its legacy endures through records, photographs, and the memories of those who once called it home.
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