Testimonials

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank your staff for their help and complete professionalism throughout the day. As ever, we were able to hold an event at Somerley, safe in the knowledge that our customers and staff will receive excellent support and service and that the reputation of our company will be further enhanced by our association with Somerley."

"I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you and your team for the excellent reception we received when we visited Somerley. The professionalism exhibited by you and your staff was inspiring and we were made to feel extremely welcome in the beautiful surroundings, which meant that our whole team enjoyed the event enormously. It was a truly special evening and will provide us with some wonderful memories for many years to come."

"I wanted to thank you so much for staging the World Sporting Championships at your beautiful Estate. To be able to compete in the most superb surroundings is a real honour. I am so glad I was able to win the event at Somerley. Please thank all your staff for all their hard work, what a joy to see shooters tucking into great food and thoroughly enjoying the wonderful atmosphere you have at Somerley."
George Digweed - 15 times World Champion (clay pigeon shooting)

"It was my pleasure to share your wonderful house with my senior directors and partners over the last weekend. The combination of elegance, history and fine art with a warm and friendly atmosphere, was unique in my experience. Our event was made even more enjoyable by the first class service. I would have no hesitation in recommending Somerley."

"We all thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Somerley last week and would like to thank you most sincerely for the kind and courteous way you welcomed us. Your staff should be commended both on their appearance and attention to our comfort. The house stands out from other Stately Homes because not only is it outstandingly beautiful but it is also clearly a home."

Horse Trial Testimonials

"The 2008 Somerley Horse Trials sponsored by Savills was a very enjoyable event. It was well attended by many of the Olympic riders and it was fantastic to have the opportunity to see them so close up on their lovely horses. Somerley Park is an outstanding location for the Horse Trials with beautiful parkland grounds and the house enjoys an enviable position with panoramic views from the main rooms over the cross country course. The event was well organised and the lunch in the house was superb. All in all, a very enjoyable experience."
Savills

"I love to bring my young horses to Somerley, it's such a friendly event and the cross country course really encourages horses to gallop. The courses are educational so they learn from their day, and go home gaining from their experience."
Pippa Funnell

"Always one of the most enjoyable events anywhere and you don't have to walk too far"
Lucinda Fredericks

"This is such a fantastic venue for an event, providing essential preparation for targets later in the season by providing International qualifications. Always two days of excellent competition from a friendly and efficient team."
William Fox-Pitt

The 'Jewel in the Crown' for Rallye Sunseeker

"All major sporting events need something that sets them apart from similar types of activities; the opening round of the British National Rally Championship - Rallye Sunseeker is no exception to that rule.

This high speed motor sport extravaganza has one of most high profile title sponsors in the business, who cannot have heard of Sunseeker International, builders of some of the worlds most luxurious motor yachts? So with a pre-eminent position in the UK motor sport world, the Organisers looked a few years ago for a venue at which to host not only two rally special stages, but also a location for corporate hospitality and a motor show.

The family home of Lord Normanton, Somerley Park, fitted the bill admirably. Not only was it superbly positioned within the Ringwood forest area (location for more of the rallies special stages) it was also close to major road networks, Bournemouth International Airport and the host town for the rally - Bournemouth.

What became even more apparent to the Organisers, at an early point in time, was the enthusiasm for this complex activity from not only Lord Normanton but all of his estate staff and local residents; which over the years has enabled the venue to become justifiably known as an excellent location for sporting excellence and corporate entertainment.

And so, many years on from the original planning meeting, Somerley Park is now recognized across the motor sport world as truly the 'Jewel in the Crown, of Rallye Sunseeker - probably the best rally in the UK!"
Rick Smith - Clerk of the Course