This estate, bought in 1854, is worthy of separate mention. The book History of Hertfordshire records “The manor and estate of Childwickbury include an area of about 900 acres. The manor house bears evidence of having been built about the time of James II., and it is probable that the first Joshua Lomax was the builder. In it are some good carvings by Grinling Gibbons. The late Mr. Toulmin, shortly after it came in his possession, greatly enlarged the residence, by adding to it wings on either side. On the estate are some remarkably fine elm and beech trees, rivalling, if not exceeding, in size and beauty -though falling short in number- those at Ashridge”
In 1871, in addition to the family, there were at least twelve servants living in.
“The Manor House, mainly 18th century has12 Reception Rooms, 18 Bed and Dressing Rooms, 11 Staff Bedrooms, and 10 Bathrooms. Immaculate Timbered Grounds. Walled Garden. Courtyard with Garaging and Flat. Estate Office. Victorian Dairy House with about 19 Acres. Two Coach House Cottages with Magnificent Stable Yard with Paddock and Woodland 16 Acres. Cheapside and Shafford Farms, 2 Well Equipped Corn and Stock Farms with about 724 Acres. 146 Acres of Timbered Parkland, 37 Acres of Railed Paddock and 104 Acres of valuable Commercial Timber”. In addition there were “18 Attractive Houses and Cottages, some with Paddocks. Old Mill and other Buildings for conversion, Stud Buildings, 30 Loose Boxes, Potential Riding School, and fishing in River Ver and Mill Race. Total 1,100 Acres”