Brockhurst: Historic Georgian House in Guernsey (c.1740)
An imposing Georgian townhouse located on The Grange in St Peter Port, Guernsey
Brockhurst Guernsey: Historic Overview
Nestled on The Grange in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Brockhurst is one of Guernsey's most historic homes. This imposing Georgian townhouse - built around 1750 by William Brock as his summer residence - stands as a testament to the island's 18th-century prosperity and architectural grandeur. With its symmetrical classical facade, elegant sash windows, and sturdy granite walls, Brockhurst exemplifies the refined Georgian style. Overlooking town and sea, the house originally enjoyed panoramic eastward views, a feature much admired when it was first built.
Over the centuries, Brockhurst's gracious halls have witnessed history in the making. The estate was the long-time home of the Brock family, an English-origin family established in Guernsey since the 1500s. Under their roof lived statesmen, military heroes, and community leaders whose stories intertwine with that of Guernsey itself. From hosting gatherings of Guernsey's elite in the 18th and 19th centuries to being requisitioned during WWII, Brockhurst's walls carry the echoes of pivotal moments in island history.
Brockhurst Architecture: Georgian Design in Guernsey
Georgian Architecture in Guernsey
Brockhurst exemplifies the refined Georgian architectural style with its symmetrical classical facade, elegant sash windows, and sturdy granite walls. The house features the characteristic proportions and classical detailing that define 18th-century British architecture, making it one of Guernsey's finest examples of Georgian design.
Originally designed to take advantage of its elevated position in St Peter Port, Brockhurst enjoyed panoramic eastward views over town and sea, a feature that was much admired when the house was first built and remains one of its most distinctive characteristics among Guernsey's historic properties.
Brockhurst Guernsey: Notable Residents
The Brock Family of Guernsey
William Brock (1702 - 1776) built Brockhurst as his summer residence in Guernsey. His son William Brock Jr. (1725 - 1768) resided here with his wife Judith de Beauvoir, connecting the family to Guernsey's de Beauvoir lineage. Under their ownership, Brockhurst became a social hub for the upper echelons of Guernsey society.
Daniel de Lisle Brock: Guernsey's Famous Bailiff
Nephew of William Jr., Daniel de Lisle Brock (1762 - 1842) served as Bailiff of Guernsey (chief magistrate) from 1821 to 1842. Daniel grew up in the Brockhurst household and later presided over the island during a transformative era. Under his leadership, Guernsey introduced its own state-backed currency, built new roads and schools, and defended its autonomous laws against UK interference. His portrait adorns the £1 banknote and a bronze bust graces the High Street in St. Peter Port, Guernsey.
Major-General Sir Isaac Brock: Guernsey's Canadian Hero
Though not an owner of Brockhurst, Isaac was Daniel's younger brother and spent his youth among the Brock family properties in Guernsey. Sir Isaac would become a legendary figure abroad, known as the "Hero of Upper Canada" for his defense of Canada during the War of 1812. He led British forces to victory at the Battle of Queenston Heights before falling in battle, bringing international recognition to Guernsey through his achievements.
Victorian Era at Brockhurst Guernsey
Captain Francis S. Dugmore (1839 - 1898) and Hon. Emily Brougham (1839 - 1919) brought aristocratic flair to Brockhurst in Guernsey. Emily was the daughter of the 2nd Baron Brougham & Vaux, while Francis was a seasoned military officer who had ventured as far as East Africa on expeditions. The couple resided
20th Century Stewards of Brockhurst Guernsey
The McCave family purchased Brockhurst in the 1920s, running a successful seed and fertilizer business that contributed to Guernsey's agricultural heritage. During WWII, the house was requisitioned for military administrative use, but the McCaves stayed on site and their agricultural expertise helped islanders cultivate vital crops during the occupation. Later, the Curry family (of electrical goods fame) modernized aspects of the property while preserving its historic character in Guernsey.
Brockhurst Guernsey: Restoration & Preservation
National Trust of Guernsey Era
In an extraordinary act of generosity, Florian Carr bequeathed Brockhurst to the National Trust of Guernsey in 2000 for the token price of one golden guinea. This marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on preservation and public interest in Guernsey's heritage.
The National Trust of Guernsey (NTG) undertook an extensive restoration of Brockhurst in the 2010s. Nearly 14 years of planning and fundraising culminated in a major works project from 2013 to 2015. Led by CCD Chartered Architects and executed by local craftsmen, the restoration was one of the most ambitious (and costly) in NTG's history, ensuring Brockhurst's future as a Guernsey landmark.
The Brockhurst Restoration Project
Every effort was made to return Brockhurst to its 18th-century splendor – from repairing the roof and structure to meticulously restoring interior details like moldings, panelled walls, and even installing historically-inspired lighting and fireplaces. The result, unveiled in October 2015, was Brockhurst reborn: a shining example of heritage conservation in Guernsey.
The house was opened for public tours during "Open Days" in late 2015, giving locals a rare glimpse inside this once-private gem in Guernsey. Many were awed by the four-story Georgian staircase, the gracious reception rooms, and the seamless blend of modern comforts with historical authenticity.
Brockhurst Guernsey: Legacy & Future
Current Status of Brockhurst Guernsey
In March 2024, the National Trust passed the torch to new private owners - Brockhurst was sold on the open market (for £2.7 million). The sale proceeds were earmarked for other crucial heritage projects in Guernsey (such as a new state-of-the-art storage facility for museum artefacts), meaning Brockhurst's legacy is indirectly supporting wider preservation efforts in the island.
Today, Brockhurst remains a private family home in Guernsey, but its current owners are deeply committed to honoring its history. Thanks to the restoration, the house stands in magnificent condition - "one of the finest period homes of St Peter Port with style, character and charm," as described by the agents.
Brockhurst's Enduring Heritage in Guernsey
The elegant Georgian interiors and the peaceful walled garden continue to be cherished and well-kept. While not generally open to the public, Brockhurst occasionally features in heritage open days or publications, allowing its story to be shared with visitors to Guernsey. Each generation, from the Brocks to the present, has been a steward of this remarkable property. Brockhurst thus lives on not only as an architectural landmark but as a symbol of Guernsey's enduring commitment to its heritage - a legacy preserved for future generations.
Explore Brockhurst Guernsey's Complete Timeline
Discover the detailed chronological history of Brockhurst and all its notable residents from 1740 to the present day in Guernsey.
View Brockhurst Timeline