Courtly romance

With its classically handsome Georgian looks and picturesque Cotswolds setting, it’s easy to see how anyone could be instantly charmed by Tormarton Court. However, for its owner, Noreen Finnamore and her husband, more practical considerations led them to take on the eight-bedroom property in 1996. Their burgeoning consultancy business meant travelling across the UK and, with two children under 10, a home with an office building was top of the wish list. 

“My main proviso was the office had to be completely separate so our family and work lives could be independent,” she explains. “We also needed easy access to good transport links for travel. There weren’t many properties that allowed for both.”

Noreen admits the house was in a “pretty sad state” when they bought it, and it was a big project to transform Tormarton Court into the immaculate home it is today. Using her previous experience in building restoration for the health service, she embarked on a meticulous renovation of the Grade II listed property. 

Roofs were taken off and painstakingly repaired and replaced. The dirt floor barn (now known as Somerset House) was carefully converted into the office while preserving its appearance. Over 10 acres of gardens were revived and a heated swimming pool added. After three years, “the house just came back to life,” Noreen recalls. “It was challenging, but also a real privilege.” 

Perhaps surprisingly, given the extensive works, the home’s original configuration remains intact. “I love the way the purpose of each room, from the morning room to the drawing room, follows the path of the sun. It’s a really homely house full of interesting architectural details.” 

Those details – original stone floors, working fireplaces and intricate cornices – evoke the property’s fascinating history. Tormarton Court dates to the 16th century and was significantly restructured in 1812, when it was a family home for Lord William Somerset, rector of several local churches. The hunting horse weather vane that sits atop the Coach House today is a nod to his local nickname, ‘The Hunting Rector’. 

In 1929, politician and author Edward Grigg (later Lord Altrincham) retired to Tormarton after serving in Churchill’s government during the Second World War. His son, the writer John Grigg, was immortalised in Netflix’s The Crown for his perceived criticism of Queen Elizabeth II. At the time, the press camped outside the gates of Tormarton after a disgruntled monarchist daubed ‘God save the Queen’ in paint on the outside wall. 

Today, Tormarton Court stands among the most exceptional properties in the Cotswolds. The gardens especially are a work of art, and are often open to the public. But Noreen’s favourite aspect of the property? “Its flexibility. The range of outbuildings offers huge potential for its next owner. We rented out Somerset House after selling our business in 2014. Its orientation means it has no impact on the main house, and it brings in a healthy income.” 

“More importantly, we’ve made such rich memories here,” she adds. “At Christmas the house looks so festive, and the gardens have seen many summer barbecues and pool parties. I’d love to think of another family raising their children here as we did. It’s a special place for children to grow up.” 

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