This fabulous house was owned by the Russell family until the 1950's. Chenies was originally built around 1640 for the Cheyne family and the central core of the house we look at today dates from this period.
In 1523, the house came into the ownership of the Russell's when John Russell, Ist Earl of Bedford married the then owner of Chenies, it is the substantial alterations made by him that give the house its present day appearance. The exterior of the property with its flowing lines, foliage covered walls, gables and decorative chimneys has an almost "fairy-tale" look which must have charmed both Henry VIII, and later his daughter Elizabeth I, for both were visitors here.
The historical value of the house is without question, on the second of Henry VIII's visits in 1542 he brought the young Catherine Howard, his new wife with him. It is alleged that here at Chenies she committed adultery with Thomas Culpeper - a ghostly story tells of the dragging steps of a lame man are sometimes heard leading to Queen Catherine's room - the king at the time was suffering pain from an ulcerated leg.
In 1627 the decision was taken by the Russell's to remove to Woburn Abbey as their main seat, though Chenies was preserved in recognition of its past.
Today the house contains many beautiful features; Queen Elizabeth's room has superb 16th and 17th-century furniture, and the Dining Room which was modernised during the Victorian era has furniture from that period. There is an excellent Tudor Library with a quaint closet leading off, and most of the upstairs rooms have similar arrangements.
Throughout the house you can see many lovely tapestries, paintings and much good porcelain and furniture, it is always lavishly embellished with stylish flower arrangements.
Outside are a number of intimate gardens, including a sunken garden, a white garden, a fragrant rose garden and herb garden. There is a reconstructed maze and a medieval well. Other interesting features are underground passages and a Priests Hole.
There is a shop which amongst other things sells flower arrangements made from flowers dried in the flower drying loft of the house. Herbs can also be purchased along with souvenirs and gifts.
Why not round off your visit with a mouth-watering afternoon tea served in the Garden tea-room.
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