Country Life: The millionaire who created a real-life toy train set on a human scale

January 29, 2023

A train pulls into Fawley Hill station, saved from Somersham, Cambridgeshire, and the heart of the park’s railway network — Fawley Hill, Buckinghamshire. ©Paul Highnam for Country Life Credit: Country Life

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Fawley Hill, Buckinghamshire, as Marcus Binney embarks on a journey through the astonishing collection curated by Lady McAlpine and the late Sir William McAlpine. In the first installment of two articles, Binney uncovers the breathtaking landscape park at Fawley Hill, a true testament to Sir William’s unrivaled passion for railways. What sets this park apart is its fusion of classic aristocratic elements with a homage to the Railway Age. Sir William, an heir to a major construction company, meticulously crafted a masterpiece that showcases his profound understanding of railways. Rolling greensward, roaming deer, eye-catching structures, and whimsical follies are just some of the captivating features that await visitors in this one-of-a-kind haven.

Don’t miss out on Country Life’s captivating article, accompanied by stunning photographs by Paul Highnam, to fully appreciate the magnificence of Fawley Hill.

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A train pulls into Fawley Hill station, saved from Somersham, Cambridgeshire, and the heart of the park’s railway network — Fawley Hill, Buckinghamshire. ©Paul Highnam for Country Life Credit: Country Life
A train pulls into Fawley Hill station, saved from Somersham, Cambridgeshire, and the heart of the park’s railway network — Fawley Hill, Buckinghamshire. ©Paul Highnam for Country Life Credit: Country Life

Country Life: The millionaire who created a real-life toy train set on a human scale

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SIR WILLIAM (IN HIS VINTAGE ROLLS-ROYCE) AND LADY MCALPINE, WITH, FROM LEFT, HER GRANDDAUGHTERS MATILDA AND POPPY AND HER DAUGHTER VICKY PLUS BORIS THE LABRADOR AND PUGS ALICE AND ALGIE. Mark Cocksedge
SIR WILLIAM (IN HIS VINTAGE ROLLS-ROYCE) AND LADY MCALPINE, WITH, FROM LEFT, HER GRANDDAUGHTERS MATILDA AND POPPY AND HER DAUGHTER VICKY PLUS BORIS THE LABRADOR AND PUGS ALICE AND ALGIE. Mark Cocksedge

Tatler: Inside Sir William and Lady McAlpine’s temple of wonder

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One-Direction3
One-Direction3

One Direction at Fawley Hill – Behind the scenes

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