Ralph Fiennes' family's castle has over 700 years of Oxfordshire history and a moat – peek inside the stately rooms, English gardens, and storied architecture

Since 1306, the stunning Broughton Castle has stood tall near Banbury in North Oxfordshire. This medieval fortified manor house is a beacon of stunning English design, craftsmanship, and history.

The restored historic home is currently inhabited by Martin Fiennes, the 22nd Lord Saye & Sele, and the third cousin of British Actor Ralph Fiennes, according to The Guardian. It has been used as a filming location for beloved films and television shows, including Mary & George (2024), The Crown (2019), and Shakespeare in Love (1998). Named one of England's Thousand Best Houses in Simon Jenkins' book, Broughton Castle is absolutely stunning.

The home's 700 years of history is just as interesting as its current pop culture relevance. In the 14th century, Sir John de Broughton built his manor house out of the rich local Hornton ironstone that is abundant in the area. He picked a sheltered location at the junction of three streams and fortified it with a stunning moat. In 1406, Sir Thomas Wykeham added the battlemented walls to the gatehouse, changing the property from a manor to a castle.

The most recent reconstruction was throughout the 16th century when Richard Fiennes and his son raised the roof and added embellishments to the interiors, creating the Tudor Style designs reflected in images of the property. Though it may be currently updated for modern living, the exteriors you see today date from the 1550s.

Beyond the structures themselves, the grounds of Broughton Castle are rife with English garden ideas. From beautiful roses sprouting up around the home, to the manicured style of The Ladies Garden, the outdoor space features everything you could want out on a daytime walk.

The beauty of these gardens is bolstered by the formidable moat surrounding the property, which provides a beautiful reflection of the house in all seasons. Interestingly, this means the property sits on an artificial island, accessible by sa mall bridge. During the summers, it is open to the public.

Finished rooms such as The Great Hall and The Oak room feature historic portraits among period arcitecture. Sumptuous furnishings in tones of red and natural wood contribute to the storied, luxurious feel of the home.

Shop Homes & Gardens' Castlecore Edit

Though we can't all live in a medieval castle, we can all capture some of the magic of what makes these historic spaces so alluring by integrating elements of the castlecore trend into our interiors.

Looking back at historic homes is a wonderful way to source inspiration, and understand where our current understandings of interior design come from. The more history, the better.