National Trust Montacute House

Website http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-montacute.htm

Classification Historic Building

DescriptionA magnificent Elizabethan stone-built house in Somerset, with fine collections, garden and park.

Montacute House, situated in the picturesque South Somerset village of Montacute, is reputed to be one of the finest Elizabethan country houses in the United Kingdom.

The three floored mansion, constructed of local Ham Hill stone, was built circa 1598 by Sir Edward Phelips, Master of the Rolls to Queen Elizabeth I. Some suggest architect William Arnold is responsible for the design, though it’s yet to be substantiated. The house is distinguished by Dutch gables decorated with stone monkeys and other creatures. The many large, mullioned windows, an innovation of their day, give the appearance that the principal façade is built entirely of glass; a similar fenestration was employed at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. On the top floor, the windows of the gallery are interspaced by statues of the 'nine worthies' dressed in Roman costume. Inside, two broad stone staircases give access to each floor; during wet weather, the Phelips children would lead their ponies up these stairs to ride in the long gallery.

The house, like many Elizabethan mansions, is built in an 'E' shape. On the ground floor was the great hall, kitchens and pantries, on the upper floors, retiring rooms for the family and honoured guests. Over the centuries, the layout and use of rooms changed: Elegant drawing and dining rooms evolved on the ground floor, on the first floor, a magnificent panelled library and bed rooms, including Lord Curzon's secret bath concealed in a wardrobe.
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The AddressEstate Workshop, Montacute House, Montacute, TA15 6XP

Phone01935 823289

DateOct 20, 2006

Contact NameNational Trust

CategoryEngland > Somerset
England > Somerset > Attractions near Yeovil

Email send email to National Trust

Local Information

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