Houses & Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens - Taunton, Somerset
Lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away..... This is Hestercombe - a unique combination of three centuries of garden design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde's Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian garden design by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. All have undergone acclaimed restoration works and today provide important examples of gardens in contrasting styles that continue to grow and develop.
Lytes Cary Manor - Charlton Mackrell, Somerton, Somerset
Lytes Cary Manor is a small medieval manor house, originally built by Thomas Lyte, was rescued from decay in the 20th century by Sir Walter Jenner. The Great Hall is open to the roof with an unusual Gothic arch that leads to the small dining area and in the Great Parlour there is a mirror framed in embroidery, known as stumpwork. It is furnished in period style and houses a display of 17th century Flemish tapestries. Adjacent to the house is a 14th century chapel and an attractive hedged garden with mixed borders.
The Bishops Palace and Gardens - Wells, Somerset
The Bishop´s Palace and Gardens lies in the heart of Wells, within very easy access of the market place and cathedral. Enter the moated and fortified grounds from the gatehouse and discover the splendour of the beautiful medieval Palace. Behind the 13th century building lies 14 acres of gardens, springs and an arboretum, with plenty of space to really relax. A delicious range of home made lunches, cakes and cream teas are served in the Undercroft Restaurant, or can be enjoyed on the garden terrace.
Dunster Castle - Dunster, Minehead
Originally built in Norman times, Dunster Castle was remodelled in the late 19th century for the Luttrell family, who lived here for 600 years. Only the 13th century gatehouse has survived from the original building. During the civil war soldiers were garrisoned in the Leather Gallery. Contents include family pictures, mahogany furniture and an important series of leather hangings depicting the story of Anthony and Cleopatra. The fine oak staircase and plasterwork date from the 17th century. The terraced gardens house the National Collection of Strawberry Trees with pleasant walks beside the River Avill.
Montacute House - Montacute, Yeovil
Montacute House is an Elizabethan house adorned with elegant chimneys, carved parapets, heraldic glass and other Renaissance features. The magnificent state rooms include the Long Gallery which is the largest of its type in Britain, and is full of furniture and Tudor and Elizabethan portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. Also tapestries, hangings and an exhibition of 17th century samplers from the Goodhart Collection. The formal garden with its mixed borders and old roses is surrounded by parkland.
