16th century In the early 16th century, Littlecote farm was bought from John Littlecote by Sir
Richard Elyot,
serjeant-at-law and
Attorney-General to the
Queen consort,
Elizabeth of York. After his death in 1522 it passed to his only son,
Thomas Elyot a diplomat and author. The 50 acre farm was taken by the crown at the
Dissolution of the Monasteries, and it is surmised that this was because Sir Thomas Elyot had included it in an endowment to
Salisbury Cathedral. In 1560
Queen Elizabeth I granted it to William Reddiche who already owned several properties in the village as a '
Free tenant' of the
Earl of Pembroke in Wilton. During the Dissolution period (circa 1530s) the farm appears to have been leased by John Penny. He died in 1555 bequeathing to his son the 80 sheep, grazing rights, sown crops and farm equipment.
18th century Jeremiah Cray died in 1709 (or 1710 During the Cray ownership Reddish had been inhabited and farmed by a series of lessees including a
mercer John Coombs from 1702 to 1706, and George Northover for over 50 years and James Lawes. In 1786 Jeremiah Cray's estates were shared by his two daughters, Sarah and Margaret, wives of
Sir Alexander Grant, 7th Baronet and Percival Lewis respectively.
19th century Records indicate that a large service wing extended from the east side of the Baroque wing in the early 1800s but no physical evidence exists. In 1806 the house was sold to George Young from
Horton in Dorset who became the first resident owner for 246 years. Beaton also added the indoor "Winter Garden" with a glass dome roof and a small pool in the marble floor. A historic research report by
Adam Architecture is less complimentary about some other changes made during his tenure: "Beaton removed some important historic features within the house such as original partitioning and several fireplaces, and hid elements such as timber framing". The house was
Grade II listed in March 1960, originally as Reddish Manor and stables; the listing was updated in December 1986. The list entry does not discuss the modifications made by Beaton and simply states that "it is probable that some of the interior was remodelled by Cecil Beaton". The house was owned and extensively renovated by musician
Robert Fripp and his wife
Toyah Willcox from December 1987 until July 1999.
21st century Reports since that time do not specify the owners of the property, but a June 2017 architects' document states that "further additions and alterations were made ... most recently, in 2006. Two cottages in the grounds were also renovated. == References ==