'Celebrated' 600-year-old West Midlands stately home reclaimed by family - National Trust era ends

The Throckmorton family have unveiled exciting new plans for Coughton Court, ahead of resuming the day-to-day running of the historic estate in 2026.

Descendants of Sir Robert Throckmorton who built the house in 1409, Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton have ambitious plans to continue the legacy of the estate’s incredible history, while developing a strong, community feel.

National Trust members have until November 2 to use their membership cards to visit the stately home - after that it closes for winter and will reopen under Throckmorton management in February 2026.

Read more: 'Disappointed' National Trust members have just weeks left to visit West Midlands stately home for free

The young couple, who already call Coughton Court home with their children Isabella and Hector, and manage the estate’s beautiful gardens, will be resuming the running of Coughton Court in February 2026, following a period of National Trust stewardship. As they embark on this new chapter, the family has announced their desire to showcase the historic estate’s heritage, whilst transitioning into a vibrant community hub for visitors and local residents alike to enjoy.

At its heart, the stableyard will be home to a new café serving freshly grown and local produce, an independent shop showcasing local products, and an exhibition space for hosting events, workshops and school visits. A new children’s play area will also be installed, creating an informative and enjoyable day out for all ages.

A new programme of events will also be announced, including seasonal favourites such as Easter egg hunts and Halloween pumpkin races, along with pizza evenings and foodie feasts.

Read more: We visit grand West Midlands National Trust gem ahead of major entry shake-up for members

Passionate about supporting local creatives and businesses, Coughton Court will also host a programme of workshops and classes led by local groups and creatives, spanning both indoor and outdoor activities.

From yoga in the orchard and painting workshops, to supper clubs, the Throckmorton family are keen to strengthen the estate’s ties to the local community.

Alongside day tickets for visitors, there will be a yearly membership and a dedicated membership exclusively for the local community too. Further details on annual memberships and ticket prices will be announced later this year.

Magnus Birch Throckmorton said: “As a young family, we’re looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the day-to-day running of Coughton Court that celebrates the property’s unique characteristics.

“Our hope is to establish Coughton as a community hub - a destination that not only draws visitors from far and wide to soak up its incredible history, but also as a welcoming space for locals to enjoy a coffee and connect with friends.”

Imogen Birch Throckmorton added: “Historic stately homes like Coughton were once the beating heart of village life. We’re excited to restore this by supporting and partnering with local businesses, community groups and the wider community to explore fresh ideas, events, experiences and collaborations that breathe new life into the estate.”

The history of Coughton Court and the National Trust

Coughton Court has been the Throckmorton’s family home for over 600 years. In 1946, the estate was gifted to the National Trust, and since then the family has held a 300-year residency and management lease. This allows the family to live at the property and manage it as a visitor attraction for the duration of the agreement.

In 2005, a 15-year management agreement was put in place, and the National Trust took on the operational running of the property.

This agreement was extended on a rolling yearly basis to provide more time to work through future arrangements, as well as accommodating a pause during the coronavirus pandemic.

While the Throckmorton family will be resuming the day-to-day management, the National Trust will continue to care for and preserve the property.

For more information about Coughton Court from February 2026, visit www.coughtoncourt.co.uk.

Details of the lease

From February 2026, Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton, who live at the property, will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Coughton Court.

This will include public opening times and admission charges as the property will no longer be part of the National Trust’s visitor offer.

The Throckmorton family retain a 300-year long-term hereditary lease which grants them the right to live at Coughton Court for the duration of the agreement. The lease was agreed in 1946 at the point Coughton came into the ownership of the National Trust. The 1946 lease also allows the family to open the property to the public and run it as a visitor attraction over the period of the lease.

About Coughton Court

The origins of Coughton Court lie in pre-conquest times and there is evidence of a house on the site from the 14th Century.

The Throckmorton family have lived at Coughton since 1409. John de Throckmorton, Under Treasurer of England to Henry VI, acquired Coughton in the early 15th Century through his marriage to Eleanor de Spiney.

Their descendants have held it for 600 years and, although the National Trust has owned the house since 1946 when it was gifted by Lady Lilian, the family still live here and manage the garden.

Magnus’ grandmother inherited the lease in 1991 and embarked on a large-scale restoration of the internal decorations. With the help of her daughter (Magnus’ mother), she also designed the award-winning gardens that are seen today.

Over the last 30 years Magnus’ mother has carried on adapting the garden to keep it fresh and in keeping with the times.

In 2005, due to health reasons the running of the property to day visitors became the responsibility of the National Trust. During this time, the family has continued to manage the garden.