Our History
The first mention of Tofte Manor lies in the Doomsday book in 1086. The land was originally gifted by the Crown to Sir William de Tofte, a Knights Templar.
RECORDS SHOW THAT TOFTE MANOR was occupied by Count Eustace in the 11th century. It became the Newham Priory in 1278 and thereafter passed to families such as the Boteler, Cornish and Gambiers. In 1876, it was purchased by Charles Magniac. The oldest part of the house as it stands today, goes back to the 17th century. A plaque dated 1613 sits above the doorway: ‘except the Lord build the house, their labour is lost that build it’.
THIS INSCRIPTION SITS on the London house of the famous artist James McNeill Whistler who frequently visited the Manor as a guest and friend of the then incumbent Lewis Jarvis whom he had met at the Slade College.
A BEAUTIFUL NUDE of Ada Jarvis painted by Whistler can be seen at the Smith College Museum of Art, Northampton, Massachusetts.
THE ALSTON & WELLS FAMILIES are responsible for the design of the present-day house. It was bought by Christopher and Suzy Castleman in l995, who renovated the property and gardens to its present glory.
