Yesterday, my wife and I visited Montacute House, a late-16th-century mansion in south Somerset, about eight miles from our new home. Known as one of the finest examples of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture in England, this extraordinary house and its grounds offer a glimpse into a bygone era.
Our visit inspired me to share my experience and a selection of photographs that capture its timeless beauty.
A Brief History of Montacute House
Montacute House was built in the late 1500s by Sir Edward Phelips, a prominent lawyer and Member of Parliament, who served as Master of the Rolls during the reign of James I. It was completed in 1601.
The house is celebrated for its symmetrical design, ornate stonework, and large mullioned windows that create a sense of grandeur. Over the centuries, it has been a private home but eventually fell into disrepair and decay until, in 1931, it was gifted to the National Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
First Impressions and Architectural Beauty
As we walked towards the house from the southwest, the golden Hamstone façade glowed in the afternoon sunlight, creating a striking first impression, as the photo at the top of this article shows. The intricate carvings and symmetry immediately caught my eye, speaking to the craftsmanship of the Elizabethan era.
The design is a perfect blend of functionality and artistry, a hallmark of houses from this period. The long driveway leading to the property framed the house beautifully, offering a moment to pause and appreciate its grandeur.
One impression I have is how the house and the stone walls surrounding it clearly show the passage (and ravages) of time after 423 years, where much of the stone has the look and appearance of decay, as the photo below shows.
This weathering adds a sense of character and authenticity, though, a reminder of the endurance of this historic site. Far from diminishing its beauty, the patina of age enhances the atmosphere, making it feel like a living connection to the past.
The Grounds and Gardens
The gardens surrounding Montacute House are a masterpiece in their own right. Formal lawns, trimmed hedges — many looking as if they have been in place for centuries — and elegant pathways provide a serene backdrop to the house.
I was particularly taken with the topiary and the sense of balance in the landscaping, which feels timeless yet alive with seasonal colours — in early winter, such as now, mostly meaning different shades of earth colours such as green and brown contrasted with the honey-coloured Hamstone of the building.
The views from the garden across the surrounding countryside were breathtaking, offering a sense of peace and connection to nature, imagining life long before the intrusive sounds, ambient and otherwise, of modern society. Roaming sheep in the surrounding fields added to this connection.
Exploring the Interior
While the closure of the upper floors for the ‘Saving the Staircases‘ project meant we missed experiencing the famed Long Gallery — which, at 172 feet (52 metres) long, spans the entire top floor of the house and is the longest-surviving long gallery in England — the ground floor offered plenty to explore.
The Great Hall’s grand scale and the intimate parlours provided a glimpse into the daily life of the Phelips family. One of the rooms presented a literal feast, albeit a model, of what looked like a sumptuous meal for the family with large sucking pigs, huge pies, and other hearty fare.
In another room, the splendid and rich tapestry of ‘Knight with the Arms of Jean de Daillon‘, was a highlight. It was made in Tournai, an ancient city in what is Belgium today, in about 1480 and is the earliest tapestry in the care of the National Trust.
Walking through the ground floor rooms felt like stepping back in time, surrounded by portraits of faces that have witnessed centuries of history. Each room tells a story, with furnishings and artefacts that reflect the house’s rich heritage.
Personal Reflections
What stood out most to me during this visit was the sense of continuity — how Montacute House bridges the past and present. While it’s undoubtedly a historical treasure, it also feels alive with the efforts of the National Trust to make it accessible and relevant to modern visitors.
The contrast between the golden exterior and the intricate details inside mirrors the balance of grandeur and intimacy that defines the property.
For me, the highlight was capturing the essence of the house and its surroundings through my smartphone camera lens. Every angle seemed to reveal a new detail, whether it was the play of light through the windows or the textures of the stone and wood. I’ve included a carousel of images below, showcasing the house’s splendour and my attempt to capture its spirit.
I hope these images inspire you to visit and experience the charm of Montacute House in person.
The history of Sir Edward Phelips, the visionary force and wealth behind the creation of Montacute House, has fascinating elements. He was a member of Queen Elizabeth I’s Parliament. In November 1603, he took part in the trial of Sir Walter Raleigh, who was involved in a plot against King James I. He was the opening prosecutor during the trial of the Gunpowder Plotters in 1606 and opened the indictment against Guy Fawkes.
It’s also worth mentioning that Montacute House has been featured in a number of Hollywood films and TV productions, notably Sense and Sensibility (1995) and Wolf Hall (2015-2024).
A Place Worth Visiting
Montacute House is more than just a historical landmark; it’s a place where stories of the past come to life. If you’re ever in south Somerset, it’s well worth a visit to see its beauty for yourself. The National Trust has done a remarkable job preserving its charm and character.
Related Reading:
- Montacute House (National Trust)
- Montacute House (Wikipedia)
- Montacute House: Saving the Staircases (National Trust)
- How Montacute House brought Wolf Hall to life (National Portrait Gallery blog)
- Satellite view of Montacute House and its surroundings (Google Maps)
