There’s something magical about walking into a place where time seems to stand still. For me, that is exactly how it feels at Nuffield Place. Tucked away in the Oxfordshire countryside, Nuffield Place is a beautifully preserved 1930s home which offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of Lord Nuffield, founder of Morris Motors, and his wife, Lady Nuffield.
Updated October 2025
Lord Nuffield and Nuffield Place
William Morris (later Lord Nuffield, and not to be confused with the artist of the same name) was born in 1877. He began working as an apprentice in a bicycle shop to help support his family aged just 14. When he was refused a pay rise, Morris struck out on his own, and opened a small cycle repair business with an initial investment of just £4. His ambition soon led him to explore building motor vehicles, and in 1913 he built his first, the Morris Oxford. This led to the founding of Morris Motors, and the creation of the Morris Minor and MG, both famous worldwide.
Despite wealth, success and a knighthood, Lord Nuffield remained deeply committed to giving back. He donated more than £30 million to charitable causes, funding hospitals and universities, establishing trusts, and even manufacturing and distributing iron lungs, life-saving devices that saved the lives of thousands affected by polio.
When Lord Nuffield acquired Merrow Mount in 1933 — later renaming it Nuffield Place — he indulged himself by adding a grand billiard room at the front. He and Lady Nuffield then redecorated the house, but their preference for practicality over extravagance meant that many of their original design choices are still in place today. Unlike many other historic homes, all of the furniture in the Nuffield Place was owned by Lord and Lady Nuffield. the house has a feeling of homeliness and comfort rather than of opulence, and going through it really is like stepping back into their world.
What to See At Nuffield Place
We have visited Nuffield House twice over the past ten years, and on both occasions I was particularly taken by the dark wood panelling in the front hallway and on the stairs. My in-laws lived in a 1930’s home in Kent and it had very similar decor. There are some wonderful personal touches at Nuffield Place as well – including this tool cupboard in Lord Nuffield’s bedroom! I can just picture him tinkering away there late at night when he could not sleep.
Lady Nuffield’s diaries are sitting on her desk, and I could imagine her sitting there. Many entries refer to very dismal weather and I felt a great empathy for her!
Please note the displays do change from time to time so I cannot guarantee this is exactly what you will see when you visit.
A Fascinating Day Out
It’s so cool to walk round a historic home that looks like it is still actually being lived in. I had a real sense of the character of the occupants. The property gives a great taste of what it might have been a member of the upper middle class in the 1930’s.
Nuffield Place is a fascinating property to visit. The house has a friendly, comfortable feel to it and there are lots of beautiful gardens to walk round.
The feeling I took away was one of living history. While Lord and Lady Nuffield may no longer be with us, the home they created together lives on in a small corner of the Oxfordshire countryside at Nuffield Place.
For more information and opening times, please visit the National Trust website.
This post contains my honest opinions and the advice I give to friends. None of our experiences were gifted and we paid all our own expenses. Information is correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing, and every effort is made to ensure it remains up to date, however I am not responsible for any changes that may occur post publication or for your experience. Always visit venue websites for opening times, their full terms and conditions, and to check prices, availability and payment terms.
More Historic Places to Visit in England
Grey’s Court – A Charming Tudor Country House
Comments & Reviews
I love places like this! Especially when they’re full of furniture and not just empty rooms! Great photos, the whole place really does look homely! 🙂
Bobbyanne
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PromisingBeauty.blogspot
Me too, Bobbyanne! Thank you so much for visiting and commenting. I’m on my way over to visit you now 🙂
I love exploring historic homes, this sounds like a great place to visit! Thanks for sharing at What’d You Do This Weekend? I hope you will join us again this Monday!
It really is a fun day out, Joy 🙂 Thank you so much for hosting!
Wow, this would be such a fun place to visit, especially with the feeling that they could return at any moment. I would probably stand and stare at each room forever if I could, just to get a feeling for what it must have been like to live back then. Such a beautiful place, and I love their story. Thanks so much for sharing at Inspire Me Wednesday, April. Featuring you in this week’s issue.
I felt like doing that too, Mel. It really was wonderful! Thank you so much for featuring my post 🙂
This looks amazing! I just love these historical places. They always remind me of Downton Abbey 🙂
It really is, Cris! I am so lucky to have so many of these places so close to me! You know I did a post on Highclere Castle (the real Downton Abbey)? You can just type ‘Downton’ in the search bar on the right hand side in the side bar and it will come up 🙂
Oh, this is so exciting! Thanks for letting me know. I`m searching it roght now 🙂
Thank you so much for searching for the post on Highclere, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Very interesting…The Wright Brothers started with a bike shop and ended up building an airplane. 🙂 Some people are just born with it. A warm and comforting home.
It is, isn’t it, MJ! Some people are so talented! It really does feel like someone’s home when you go through it, almost like the people might return at any moment 🙂
I would love to visit there! Did Lord and Lady Nuffield ever have children? And, they lived through WWII in that house! I wonder what it was like during that time? It all fascinates me. Thanks so much for sharing it.
I wonder what it was like during WWII as well, Helen. Although Nuffield Place is nestled in the countryside, it is very near to several military and air force bases (many of which are still there today). It could potentially have been quite noisy and a bit scary too! Lord and Lady Nuffield never did have children of their own.
April, I missed this post! Glad you mentioned it. I would really enjoy visiting this place, especially because of what I’ve just learned her about the former occupants.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Jean. It really is a fascinating place and Lord and Lady Nuffield were very interesting people. I was blown away by the amount of charitable giving they did, and by the effect it had.
That does look like someone actually lives there!