Scawby is a Grade-I listed building and is still home to the Nelthorpe family, its owners since 1603. The windows and the front of the house were added in the 18th century as part of Sir John (6th Baronet)’s additions to the building. He, like his mother, was a patron of the painter George Stubbs, who painted portraits of the family and created etchings and engravings for them to go alongside the other portraits painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence. Sir John and his descendents generally led a comfortable life, but tensions in the family rose to a peak in 1826 when Lady Nelthorpe dramatically left the Hall. She was known to have a short temper and she disliked her sister-in-law, who she blamed for her departure. Her nephew, the 8th Baronet (Sir John) inherited the Hall and planted lots of the trees in the woodland that surrounds the Hall. The “model” dwellings around Scawby, all painted in shades of dark green and cream, were also chosen by him. 

The Hall is open several days a year, and ‘Invitation to View’ days are held where guided tours are given by members of the family. You can examine the Stubbs family portraits, and a selection of Georgian and Regency furniture, as well as a collection of English and oriental porcelain. The walled kitchen garden, which at one point provided enough food for the whole family and their staff, still produces fruit and veg for the family today. Sometimes, excess produce is sold at the small garden shop, as well as Christmas wreaths in December. You can also walk round the woods at Scawby Park by the stream.