A NATIONAL Trust property near Alcester is set to go back to being family-run next year.
The Throckmorton family will resume the running of Coughton Court in 2026 – and people will still be able to visit.
The National Trust has managed the visitor operations at the historic property under a short-term arrangement with the family since 2005. The conservation charity will continue to do so until early next year, following which the property will return to an independent family-run house.
The National Trust will still own the property and support its care and maintenance.
Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton are descendants of Sir Robert Throckmorton who built the house in 1409. The young couple and their two children already call Coughton Court home and manage the estate’s gardens while the National Trust looks after the property and visitor experience.
Passionate about letting Coughton Court’s personality and unique characteristics thrive, Magnus and Imogen have a raft of ambitious plans to tell the estate’s incredible story while making sure everyone feels at home when they visit.
Magnus said: “From the Gunpowder Plot to award winning gardens and a fascinating collection of historic treasures, Coughton Court has so many stories. We’re incredibly excited to bring a family touch to the visitor experience and work with our brilliant team to deliver a vibrant next chapter that will stand out in Coughton’s history in another 300 years.
“The Throckmortons have a legacy of hands-on management – my mother and grandmother designed and created the gardens that thousands of visitors enjoy today. Imogen and I will continue to uphold this by working across the estate and with the local community to let its distinctive nature shine.”
As well as introducing events for the community and visitors, the family are exploring ways to appeal to wider audiences and build on the current visitor experience which includes parkland trails, self-guided house tours and Coughton Kitchen Cafe.
Magnus added: “We are extremely grateful to the National Trust for the restoration and preservation work that has been undertaken to date. Coughton Court has always been well cared for but feel the time is right to bring its management back into family hands and celebrate its uniqueness.”
National Trust spokesperson Oliver Burke added: “We have very much enjoyed welcoming visitors to Coughton Court during our time managing that side of the property – as we will continue to do this year. The Throckmortons have a long-standing history at Coughton and we know they are looking forward to sharing this with visitors once again when they take on the day-to-day management of the property in early 2026.”
