Dudmaston: When home is a leading National Trust property

That’s the casual icebreaker that Dudmaston Hall’s thousands of visitors might hear from Mark Hamilton-Russell as he wanders the halls of one of Shropshire’s grandest homes.

The 49-year-old, who lives at Dudmaston with his family, said he often speaks to people as they’re exploring the National Trust run building – much to their surprise.

“That’s always a fascinating conversation starter,” he said.

“It’s a great privilege to be here, there’s no doubt about that, and 99 per cent of people who come and visit are marvellous.

“Of course there are many sides to it that are at times awkward.

“Bank Holiday Mondays for example are very topical at the moment.

“At half past 12 there was a queue outside for an hour, which stretched for a hundred metres and we share the front door with the visitors.

“So if I’m wearing swimming trunks and carrying a bag from Aldi that’s awkward, you can’t always be yourself.”

Dudmaston Hall is a 17th century building of many contrasts, and has been a ancient family home for over 875 years.

The estate is extensive, stretching across 3,000 acres of park and woodland, which includes the hall, four tenanted farms and the village of Quatt.

Set against a landscape of ancient woodland, productive conifer plantations and brimming pools, Dudmaston is still very much a working estate.

Interestingly the National Trust building is also one of the few properties within the UK that is still home to the original family.

Dudmaston is also home to one of the most important private collections of modern artwork in Britain. Works include pieces by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Henri Matisse.

First bequeathed to the National Trust in 1976 by Lady Rachel Labouchere, the estate now welcomes thousands upon thousands of people every year.

Mark, who grew up on the estate, believes the house still retains a strong family feel despite the influx of visitors in recent years. He added: “It’s a wonderful home. I hope and believe it has a strong family feel which goes back hundreds of years.

“It’s rich in art, culture and heritage, ancient to modern but nonetheless it’s still a home to us.

“I’m delighted to share it, but I think there is a limit to how much one can share before you lose the integrity of what Dudmaston is all about, so we must be careful to hold on and keep that integrity.

“I think it’s really important for the National Trust strategy, which often changes, to fit with the public requirements as well as the family.

“For example, I often I walk around the hall and introduce myself to visitors in the house.

"Very often they are looking at photographs around the house, rather than the paintings. That’s just a microcosm of reality and of today’s desires and wants.”

Working as a communications manager for West Midlands Ambulance Service, Mark’s life is relatively typical despite the splendid estate he calls home.

Ponies

Mark lives alongside his wife Elfrida and their two children, 15-year old Oscar and 12-year-old Rachel who is named after the original Rachel Labouchere.

“One of my happiest moments on the estate, is when my daughter Rachel is riding one of the ponies around the estate, it brings a very strong emotion,” he said.

“I have no doubt that the original Rachel Labouchere has got this enormous grin on her face looking down, seeing Rachel enjoy herself on the estate.

“Within the house itself, my favourite room is the library. It’s the place of most wonder and calm and serenity, it’s a real eye opener.”

While the estate is open all year round, the house is only open until late September. For more information about Dudmaston visit nationaltrust.org.uk

Detail, diversity and Alexa’s dream job

Being a senior house steward at a busy National Trust property is more than just a day job.

Dudmaston Hall, which is situated in the village of Quatt near Bridgnorth, has welcomed around 92,000 visitors through its doors over the past six months.

Looking after these visitors, as well as the 250 plus volunteers is no easy feat.

Alexa Buffey is a woman who likes a challenge. After working for five and a half years in various National Trust roles, she now looks after Dudmaston’s collections, conservation work, volunteers, and everything in-between.

The role is very diverse and very satisfying, explained Alexa.

She added: “I’ve always wanted to work in museums and heritage. I initially started as a National Trust volunteer.

“I’m the senior house steward, which means that I manage the house and the collections here.

“It’s a really diverse role. It’s everything from looking after conservation and preventing damage to managing any administrative work.”

Every morning Alexa prepares to open the property, ensuring that everything is well presented and looking top notch.

“How we present the house to the public is really important, and I make sure that the stories we tell here at Dudmaston are spot-on. Because we have an exhibition space here, looking after the collections is also part of the role,” added Alexa.

As well as working at Dudmaston full-time, Alexa also calls the idyllic estate home.

She added: “I live on site as well, which is really great.

“I often use the parkland for running or walking.

“My favourite bit of Dudmaston is the modern art gallery, because it’s such a surprise to visitors.”