Athelhampton House, Dorset

A Brief Introduction to Athelhampton

The cover image is the author’s own and is of the front range of the house.

Athelhampton House is a charming Tudor manor house, and one of the best preserved in the country. The Martyn family built the house in 1485, likely replacing an earlier medieval manor house. A later wing, built almost at right angles to the great hall, was added in the mid-sixteenth century. Although the function of the Great Hall changed considerably towards the end of the Tudor period, from being a living space in the early Tudor period to more akin to functioning as a reception and public dining space towards the end of the sixteenth century, the house remains largely unchanged, with much of its fifteenth and sixteenth-century architecture intact.

One of the most spectacular features of the house is its cosy, yet nevertheless, impressive Great Hall, with its linenfold panelling, oriel windows, stained glass and minstrels’ gallery. Furthermore, the gardens are meticulously tended, divided into different outdoor ‘rooms’, each with its own character and feel.

Stay at Athelhampton

Athelhampton offers two, holiday accommodation options. River Cottage is a thatched cottage on the Athelhampton Estate and sleeps up to six people. Alternatively, the Cochrane (North) Wing accommodates up to fourteen people. Accommodation in the Cochrane Wing includes free entry to the house and gardens during times they are open to the public. The stunning gardens are available to enjoy in private during the evenings and believe me, the tranquillity is truly enchanting! By arrangement with the Estate Manager, access can be granted to this charming historic house in the evening via a private, guided tour.

Historic Properties Nearby

Without a motorway heading into the county of Dorset, it is probably less visited than some other English counties. However, there are some beautiful places to visit in the area. Below are some suggestions:

• Corfe Castle (2 miles) – a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War, these castle ruins are now open to the public
• Milton Abbey in Milton Abbas (8 miles) – home to a sixteenth century marble tomb
• Sherborne Castle (20 miles) – this medieval castle is owned by the same family since late Tudor times
• Wimborne Minster (22 miles) – where you will find the tombs of Margaret Beaufort’s parents.

Visitor Information

For more details on the accommodation, check out Athelhampton’s website.

Contact Details: email hello@athelhampton.house or call +44 (0)1305 848363

Address: Athelhampton House, Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG