Nestled within Somerset’s arcadian landscapes, the idyllic village of Montacute promises a spellbinding sojourn framed with honey-dipped cottages and rolling hills. One of the village’s most bewitching features, Montacute House is a romantic remnant of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture, boasting opulent halls and utopian gardens framed by tranquil parkland and ancient trees.
Spend relaxed afternoons delving into the time-honoured histories of this great house, take a promenade around the extensive gardens and parkland, and pause for epicurean repasts in the charming Courtyard Café.
History
Known as a prodigy house, or an ostentatious mansion, Montacute House was commissioned in the 16th century by Sir Edward Phelips to help him win favour at court. With stones from a nearby priory, lavish windows, and a series of contemporary touches to bring the triumphant vision together, the house performed its role perfectly, earning a knighthood for Sir Phelips from King James I.
Montacute House continued its illustrious life over the centuries, with each owner adding their own flamboyant flair to the house and grounds, from ornamental stonework extending the western front to picturesque additions and the sprawling parkland. The house’s Elizabethan heritage has been honoured throughout its renovations, with the National Trust taking on the mantle of restoration in the 20th century, offering a fascinating walk through time.
In recent years, Montacute House has lent its grand setting to a number of films and television series, including the beloved 1995 classic Sense and Sensibility and the acclaimed historical BBC drama Wolf Hall.
House
A Grade I listed building, Montacute House is shaped by the surrounding landscapes, with hamstone from a nearby Iron Age hill fort adding its honeyed hues to the Elizabethan exterior. Inside, ambitious rooms offer glimpses into the past of this fascinating prodigy house. Although the original furnishings have been lost to time, the ground floor has been refurbished over the years with gifts, loans, and bequests to craft a snapshot of the opulence that once permeated the house. One of the most notable additions is a collection of early 18th-century parcel gilt furniture from Chicheley Hall in Buckinghamshire. Wander through the captivating rooms on display, marvelling at large fireplaces that once warmed the illustrious rooms, taking a moment of quiet contemplation at the many enchanting works of art that adorn the walls. Striking tapestries hang from the historic walls, including the beautiful depiction of a knight on a meadow peppered with vibrant flowers from Tournai, as well as a 15th-century panel depicting ancient customs.
Gardens
One of the few Elizabethan houses still home to a compartmentalised garden, Montacute House’s verdant grounds are the epitome of seclusion and tranquillity, with each area feeling a world apart. Framed by yew hedges, the North Garden paints an idyllic picture, with views across the house and parkland beyond. Pause at the edge of the fountain pond to spot iridescent koi drifting past, or marvel at the perfectly cultivated Irish yew trees lining the amber walkways. The East Court is an extension of the Montacute House’s former entrance, with hamstone and lanterns adding a golden glow to the space. For picnics, a crisp cedar lawn promises winsome moments beneath balmy skies, gazing out across the parkland as it unfurls before you, before strolling along the undulating hedges that lead to the servants’ path. A subtropical haven where jasmine and ferns flourish, the Orangery beckons for moments of solitude: an oasis of calm backed by the gentle trickle of the water fountain and the warming caress of the sun.
Parklands
A place of dappled magic, the parklands at Montacute House are made for those seeking to immerse in nature, from the grand avenue lined with ancient trees to the sweet-scented orchard where heritage trees bloom. Adventuring further still, the surrounding estate promises a series of storybook trails through woodlands and up St Michael’s Hill. Atop the lofty summit, Prospect Tower overlooks the surrounding countryside, promising far-reaching views that encapsulate the arcadian beauty of the West Country in every patchwork direction. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens and parklands, making Montacute House a beloved place to explore with four-legged friends.
Things to do
Whether for Sunday strolls, sun-drenched picnics, or simple moments of calm amongst the curated gardens, there is much to see and do at Montacute House. The National Trust runs regular trails and activities for children, inviting young historians to get swept up in the magic of Montacute through puzzles, quizzes, and educational plaques on the wondrous wildlife at home amongst the grounds. In the West Drive, a natural play area boasts stepping logs, beams, and a slide, while a series of swings pepper the parkland and offer the dreamiest spot to rest a spell. Literary lovers will adore the book barn in the old stables, where second-hand books make it wonderfully easy to find your next read. For a more contemporary selection, head to the onsite National Trust shop, home to all manner of books, gifts, and gardening and homeware.
Places to eat
The Courtyard Café is a delightful spot for leisurely repasts, with light lunches and refreshments tempting for mid-morning pauses or an afternoon repose. Choose between seasonal offerings and delicious cakes, alongside an array of aromatic coffees, teas, and cold beverages. A county of serene farmland, Somerset’s farm shops are a treasure trove of locally sourced delights. Pack a picnic or heavenly hamper and find a secluded place in the gardens or parkland for a spellbinding alfresco feast.
Feeling inspired for countryside sojourns? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in Somerset.
