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Grateley House School

Introduction

The site has a mid-Victorian landscaped park with small garden. There was a mid-19th-century remodelling of an 1830-1840 house. The parkland survives, as does the Wellingtonia, some shrubs and small area of lawn. Much school building is now underway, encroaching on the garden and the edge of the parkland.

The Hesley group bought the property in 1989/1990 and the house is now used as a school for autistic children. Ownership of Grateley House School was transferred to Cambian Educational Services in 2005. The basic garden survives although some has been lost to car parking and building is now encroaching on shrubs. The parkland, with distinctive clumps of ash, beech and horse chestnut and a shelter belt of trees screening the railway that was opened in 1857, is largely unchanged. Large tubs currently placed in front of the veranda appear to be those visible in a photo of 1901.
Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
History

Grateley House as it exists today appears to be the work of William Boutcher, originally a Devon man with a leather factor business in London. He was resident there at the time of acquiring Grateley House some time in the 1850s. He bought it from a local landowner and farmer, William Gale. It developed as a small country residence with extensive stabling and a courtyard. A kitchen garden to the west was also laid out. The lawns before the new veranda seem to be unchanged from 1830, but a Wellingtonia, shrubbery and yews have been added.

The property remained in the Boutcher family until 1974, the house being used by the Home Guard during World War 2 and the parkland being used by the two village cricket teams as well as providing the venue for village celebrations of various kinds. After 1974 it was owned by Alexander Ebelthite and used briefly as a photographic centre but little maintenance was done. Purchased in 1981/1982 by a group of trustees including a descendant of the Boutcher family, the house was remodelled as a school and three houses were built on land of the former kitchen garden.

Period

  • Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
  • Victorian (1837-1901)
Features & Designations

Designations

  • The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building

  • Reference: Grateley House
  • Grade: II

Features

  • Gate
  • Wall
  • School (featured building)
  • Latest Date:
  • Specimen Tree
  • Description: Wellingtonia
Key Information

Type

Park

Purpose

Ornamental

Principal Building

Education

Period

Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)

Survival

Part: standing remains

Hectares

4

Open to the public

Yes

Civil Parish

Grately

References

Contributors

  • Hampshire Gardens Trust

  • Jan Church