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Explore Mapperton House, voted Britain’s Finest Manor by Country Life magazine. Nestled in 1900 acres, it features award-winning gardens, a rewilding project, and unique amenities like a wild swimming pool. Open from April to October, experience the architectural marvel and natural splendor of the Earl of Sandwich’s estate.
Originally Built In
1540
Associated Family Names
Brett, Morgan, Brodrepp, Compton, Labouchere, Montagu
Number of Rooms
10
Type of Architecture
Tudor / Jacobean
Seen in (movies / tv)
Rebecca” (2021) with Lily James, “Far from the Madding Crowd” (2015) starring Carey Mulligan, “Emma” (1995) with Gwyneth Paltrow, and “Restoration” (1995) featuring Robert Downey Jr.
Location
Dorset, England
Perfect for
Weddings, Family Gatherings
Property type
Exclusive Use, Day Visitors
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Mapperton House is an exquisite Tudor / Jacobean manor, known as Britain’s Finest Manor House. Mapperton spans across 1900 acres and includes farms, a rewilding project, and award winning gardens. A stunning 15-acre Italianate garden originally laid out in the 1920s surrounds the house, including an orangery, topiary and borders, descending ponds and arboretum, a wild garden and a wild swimming pool for guests to plunge into. Mapperton House is the seat of the Earl of Sandwich, and has been carefully preserved and restored to ensure its historical significance and architectural beauty endure.Â
Mapperton has been recently renovated to provide luxury accommodation for our guests. There are nine tastefully furnished bedrooms, with eight bathrooms. In addition guests can use the Dining Room, Library, Hall, Kitchen and the Sitting Room, as well as the Cellar with a cinema space, table football, darts and exercise equipment. Mapperton is known for its glorious setting among the rolling hills and tumbling combes, miles from any metropolis and far away from the flight paths. It is a haven of calm and slow living, providing an opportunity for guests to reset, connect with nature and enjoy the many activities on our doorstep. These can include hiking, golf, swimming, biking, sea fishing, nature tours, mountain biking and clay pigeon shooting. Stalking and shooting can also be arranged in the season.Â
Please note that Mapperton is a working estate and opens its gardens and café to the public from Sunday to Thursdays between April and September, and often hosts weddings on Saturdays during the summer. This means that, although you’ll have the house exclusively during your stay, members of the public and estate staff may be present outside the house during the day. (It’s important to note that the Drawing Room, which houses museum-quality paintings and furniture, will not be available except during a private tour.)
Mapperton, Dorset's premier country wedding venue, offers an enchanting, romantic setting for your special day. With its pristine landscape and stunning valley gardens, Mapperton stands out as a unique location. Choose from various beautiful ceremony spots, including the Garden Pavilion, grottoes, and a medieval church. Celebrate with drinks and canapés by the elegant Orangery, followed by a wedding breakfast in the grand Coach House, accommodating up to 120 guests. Make your wedding unforgettable at Mapperton, where natural beauty meets historic charm.
Discover Mapperton, an exquisite filming location featured in notable films. This stunning Dorset country estate, renowned for its natural beauty and historic elegance, is the perfect backdrop for film productions, television shows, and photoshoots. With a variety of picturesque settings, from lush gardens to classic architecture, Mapperton offers a versatile and inspiring location for creative projects. Choose Mapperton to bring your cinematic visions to life in a setting that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Host unforgettable events at The Coach House in Mapperton, a unique, Grade 1 listed venue. Blending 17th-century charm with modern amenities, it features original architecture and a state-of-the-art sound and projection system. Perfect for private parties, business meetings, or team-building days, it accommodates up to 120 seated or 200 standing guests. A second room includes a licensed bar and lounge area. Catering options range from light snacks to gourmet meals, all with locally-sourced ingredients. With outdoor seating and a picturesque setting, Mapperton ensures a memorable and photogenic experience for any event.
With over 2000 acres of lush glens, lochs, wilderness and beaches, guests can enjoy a wide array of activities right on the estate. From a raucous game of woodland laser tag to foraging and fishing, the possibilities of what you can do are almost endless. We’ll take care of all the minute details, coordination and planning for you — you just need to show up for the fun. And, if you want to head off the property for a day, the Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club, pubs, and village are just a short walk from Dunskey. All activities must be booked at least 30 days prior to arrival.
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Mapperton is located in the heart of West Dorset, known as ‘Hardy Country’ after the celebrated British author Thomas Hardy. This picturesque area is characterised by its stunning Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic cliffs, fossil-strewn beaches, and breathtaking views of the English Channel. The coast is only five miles away and offers a unique opportunity for fossil hunting and exploring coastal paths that wind through scenic landscapes. Inland, the area is dotted with traditional thatched cottages, historic market towns like Bridport and Dorchester, and majestic castles and manors offering a glimpse into England’s rich heritage.  The closest train station is Beaminster which is a 10 minute drive, and it is approximately 3 hours from London by road or 2½ hours by train. The closest airport is Exeter International Airport, which is about 50 minutes away by road or rail.
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