Snowshill Manor, nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds, is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its former owner, Charles Paget Wade. A renowned architect and designer, Wade breathed new life into the 16th-century manor house, incorporating elements of medieval and Jacobean styles to create a unique and enchanting space.
Wade was also renowned for collecting and preserving antique items, particularly those related to furniture, textiles, and decorative arts. He amassed an impressive collection of over 30,000 items, including rare books, manuscripts, and artworks. He was born into a family of architects and trained at the Royal Academy in London. He began his career as an assistant to architect Walter Tapper, before striking out on his own and establishing his own practice.
Wade's work at Stowe House, which spanned from the 1920s to the 1950s, is considered some of his most notable and influential. He worked closely with the 11th Duke of Buckingham and Chandos to restore and transform the estate's buildings and gardens, incorporating his own design aesthetic and sense of historical sensitivity. Wade's work at Stowe included the restoration of the house's interior, the design of new buildings and structures, and the creation of ornamental features such as fountains and statues.
Wade was also a respected collector and dealer in antiques and antique furniture, and he was known for his expertise in the field of Chippendale furniture. He was a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and served as its president from 1949 to 1952. Wade's legacy as an architect, designer, and antiquarian has been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including a knighthood in 1951. His work at Stowe House remains an important part of British architectural history, and his passion for antiques and collecting continues to inspire designers and collectors today.