Situated within a 1,900-acre estate, Mapperton House is a timeless retreat set amidst rolling hills and serene landscapes. Its history dates back to the 1540s, with later 17th and 18th-century additions. Initially owned by William de Moion in the Domesday Book era, it now serves as the residence of the Earl of Sandwich. Renowned as Britain’s Finest Manor House, it is home to a significant collection of art and furniture reflecting the family's pivotal role in British naval and political history. Recently renovated, it offers luxurious accommodation for guests. The 15-acre Italianate garden, dating back to the 1920s, boasts an array of enchanting features, from ornate topiary to tranquil ponds and even a wild swimming pool.
The house features nine bedrooms: two four-poster king-sized double bedrooms, four twin rooms and three single bedrooms. Guests can also enjoy various communal spaces, including the dining room, library, hall, kitchen, and sitting room, and the cellar features a cinema space, table football, darts, and exercise equipment.
For added convenience, guests have access to amenities such as a parking area, fast Wi-Fi reaching up to 300 Mbps, and a full-time Housekeeper ensuring comfort, tidiness, and security. Additional staff like a Butler, Chef, or an entire housekeeping team for a fully catered experience can also be requested.
Mapperton House provides a wide range of activities tailored to suit diverse interests. Guests can enjoy hiking along scenic trails, golfing at the nearby Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club, swimming in the estate's facilities, or joining nature tours to discover the surrounding landscapes. For those seeking adrenaline, options include electric off-road mountain biking and clay pigeon shooting. Private guided tours offer insights into Mapperton House and its gardens, including the rewilding project, Mapperton Wildlands, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. During the season, guests can participate in deer stalking, pheasant shooting, vineyard tours, fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast, sea fishing expeditions, and volunteering opportunities, such as tree planting and wildlife surveying.
While guests enjoy exclusive access to the house during their stay, the estate opens its gardens and café to the public from Sunday to Thursday between April and September, with occasional Saturday weddings during the summer.
Please be aware that access to the Drawing Room, featuring museum-quality paintings and furniture, is only accessible through private tour bookings.
Check-in Information:
Mapperton provides a dedicated full-time Housekeeper who will oversee your check-in, offer a personalised tour, and ensure your utmost comfort and enjoyment throughout your stay.
SURROUNDINGS
Mapperton, nestled in the heart of West Dorset, embraces the essence of 'Hardy Country,' named in honour of the renowned British author Thomas Hardy. This picturesque locale boasts the mesmerising Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, fossil-laden beaches, and captivating vistas over the English Channel. Just five miles away, guests can partake in the unique experience of fossil hunting and meandering along coastal paths amidst stunning landscapes.
Inland, the region unfolds with traditional thatched cottages, historic market towns like Bridport and Dorchester, and grand castles and manors steeped in England's storied past. Culinary enthusiasts will relish in West Dorset's flourishing food scene, where locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood take centre stage. From charming pubs to sophisticated eateries and bustling farmers' markets, there are many gastronomic delights to savour alongside locally brewed ciders and ales.
With its temperate climate throughout the year, Mapperton beckons visitors in all seasons. Its harmonious blend of natural splendour, historical richness, and nature-based activities ensures an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
TRANSPORT
Parking is provided by Mapperton House. Additionally, Exeter Airport is conveniently located just a 60-minute drive away.
NOTES
Please be advised that Mapperton operates as a working historic country estate. From April to September, the Gardens and Coach House are open to the public from Sunday to Thursday, between 10 am and 5 pm. Additionally, Saturdays typically host weddings in the Gardens and Coach House.
Please note that а refundable damage deposit of £1000 is mandatory and should be paid via card upon check-in. We inspect the property after you check out; if there is no damage, we will refund your deposit within 7 days via bank transfer. Please provide us with your bank details when you book with us.
Please be aware that access to the Drawing Room, featuring museum-quality paintings and furniture, The Pantry, and the West Room are only accessible exclusively through private tour bookings.
HOUSE RULES
JOIVY wants you to have a fantastic stay, and we encourage you to see this property as a home away from home. There are, however, a few points we politely ask guests to note before their arrival and throughout their stay:
– Strictly no smoking, no parties, no pets.
– Dispose of rubbish appropriately.
– Keep the property clean and tidy.
– Please remember to close all windows and doors when leaving.
– Careful attention to the keys is critical. Guests are responsible for additional costs from misplaced keys or locksmith call-outs.
– To ensure the safety of our current and future guests, we ask all guests to complete our online check-in form and to provide a valid form of identification.
