Chieveley Manor, six miles to the north of Newbury in Berkshire, will always hold a special place in the hearts of horse racing fans. It was here, at the stud situated in the grounds of this magnificent 18th-century manor, that Celeric, the 1997 Ascot Gold Cup winner, was bred.
For more than 40 years, Christopher Spence, a merchant banker and senior steward at the Jockey Club, and his wife owned this Georgian house and its stud, which is set in 42 acres of land that features a four-bedroom lodge, elaborate walled gardens, swimming pool, tennis court, paddocks, orchard and a cottage.
Celeric was trained at Chieveley Manor by Spence’s brother-in-law, David Morley. In a glittering six-year career, the horse also won a Northumberland Plate, Yorkshire Cup and Sagaro Stakes, under an illustrious array of riders including Frankie Dettori, Willie Carson and, for his big Ascot win, Pat Eddery.
Spence died in 2021, aged 84; Celeric died aged 31 at Chieveley last May.
Spence’s widow has decided to downsize from her home, which has nine bedrooms in the main house and three in the cottage. She has put the main house, cottage and stud on the market for £5.25 million and the lodge up for sale for £1 million — either to be sold together or separately — through the agencies Blue Book and Savills.
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Lindsay Cuthill, the co-founder of Blue Book, says the manor house contains “without doubt one of the most amazing drawing rooms around” and would be ideal for a family with a passion for entertaining, as well as racing.
“Chieveley has a wonderful understated elegance,” he says. “It also, when it wants to, puts on quite a show. The Spence family have always been tremendously hospitable — this was made all the easier by the brilliance of the space.”
Blue Book describes the manor house as “beautifully proportioned” and giving the feel of “small estate”. Built in soft-hued red brick, its highlights include sweeping ground-floor reception rooms, stunning gardens and, as you would expect, majestic grounds.
Ed Sugden, the director of Savills’ country house department, adds: “There is so much about Chieveley to enjoy. Not only does the house sit so well in the wider landscape, its gardens have been planted with skill and care.”
Johnno Spence, 48, grew up at Chieveley and had a “magical” childhood there. But he says it’s the right time for his mother to downsize. “Since my father died, my mother has been rattling around in the house. It is time to pass it to someone else to enjoy,” he says.
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As well as the land and facilities, the house has beautiful views from its garden of St Mary’s church in Chieveley village — the church dates from the 15th century.
Blue Book says a potential buyer need not have an interest in equestrian pursuits. “The property might include extensive garaging for a classic car collection, further auxiliary accommodation or leisure amenities,” a spokeswoman says.
Whatever its future, Chieveley Manor will always have a place in racing history for its role in breeding one of the sport’s great thoroughbreds.
£5.25 million; bluebookagency.com, savills.com
