Mapperton is the family home of the Earl of Sandwich. Located in West Dorset, in the southwest of England, the Estate includes around 2,000 acres of land, twenty residential properties, five farms and 300 acres of woodland. Mapperton is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and contains a number of protected sites due to its history and the rich variety of species of plants and animals.
Mapperton’s ancient woodlands, grasslands and marshland support more than 3,200 plant and animal species, including a healthy population of roe and fallow deer and the green-winged orchid (an indicator of old pastures). A herd of White Park cattle graze on Mapperton Wildlands as part of the land management strategy and regenerative agriculture.
The oldest part of the picturesque Jacobean Manor House dates to the 1540s. Described by Country Life magazine as ‘the nations finest manor house’, Mapperton was the principal location of the 2015 film ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’, based on Thomas Hardy’s novel.
The gardens are equally exquisite, the House overlooking a 15 acre Italianate garden originally laid out in the 1920s, with orangery, topiary and borders, descending ponds and arboretum, and wild garden. There is even a wild swimming pool if guests wish to take an exhilarating plunge.
A small chapel dating back to the 12th century sits within the grounds, as well as a dovecote and stable block.
Mapperton is approximately 3 hours from London by road or 2½ hours by train. Located in West Dorset, Mapperton sits a short distance from the seaside town of Lyme Regis, part of the famous Jurassic Coast which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation
Mapperton House has a variety of grand bedrooms with four poster beds and fine antique furniture, as well as recently redecorated double and single rooms. Some of the rooms have views over the gardens. All the beds have modern mattresses and luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets. The bathrooms have been modernised and include either a bath or bath/shower and guests will enjoy Noble Isle luxury toiletries. Given the age of the house, not all rooms have en-suite bathrooms, but bathrooms are private to each room.
Rooms are also available in the adjacent Garden Cottage or Keeper’s Cottage a little further down the drive, both of which have private gardens. Retaining the character of the cottages, the rooms have been modernised with comfortable furnishings and antiques. You can download our Accommodation@Mapperton brochure here.
During the day you will have access to the main rooms of the house, including the Hall and the Library, which have open fires.
There are no TVs in the rooms but the house has good WiFi, though in common with many other rural locations it may not have the same broadband speed you may be used to.
Mapperton is an historic house with period features which give it tremendous character but mean that it lacks some of the facilities of a modern hotel. There is no lift to the upper levels. There are some steep staircases, creaking floorboards and unusual bathroom fittings which all add to the experience!