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Stafford House

The gardens at Stafford House inc a river walk and tree planting in the style of early C19 Picturesque. Humphry Repton prepared landscape proposals for the garden and the designs were later implemented, they were also included in his famous Red Books. A limited number of tickets have been made available for this private morning opening, hosted by Lord and Lady Fellowes.

Owner Info

Stafford House
Stafford House
Stafford House
Stafford House
Stafford House
Stafford House
Stafford House
Stafford House

About Stafford House

The gardens at Stafford House includes a river walk and tree planting in the style of early-19th century Picturesque. This is one of only two sites in Dorset for which Humphry Repton prepared landscape proposals. The proposals were not implemented at the time. However, when the house was extended by Benjamin Ferrey in 1848-50, the new building and gardens followed in the spirit of Repton’s proposals.

Nicholas Gould originally commissioned designs for both the house and grounds, which were then named Frome House. The date is uncertain, but must be prior to 1816, when the project was described and illustrated in Humphry Repton’s ‘Fragments’.

The area to the west of the house is the site of the abandoned village of Frome Billet.
Thomas Hardy fans will know West Stafford as the location of the story The Waiting Supper, with the church of St Andrew also being the apparent setting for Tess and Angel Clare’s marriage in Tess of the d’Urbervilles.

A limited number of tickets have been made available for this special private morning opening, hosted by Lord and Lady Fellowes.The gardens at Stafford House include a river walk and tree planting in the style of the early 19th century Picturesque, designed by Humphrey Repton and are not open normally to the public. The morning will include a special home-made elevenses which will be served by courtesy of Julian and Emma underneath the turkey oak tree planted in 1633 on the main terrace. There will be the opportunity to explore the grounds and gardens, finishing at 12pm
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Location details

Stafford House,
Dorchester,
Dorset,
DT2 8AD

Directions to Stafford House
Follow signs to West Stafford from the West, 1st house on L before you get to the village, green park railings and gate.

Stafford House openings

For this open day you need to pre-book your ticket in advance. To book tickets please click on the book button below.

Refreshments Home-made elevenses inc cake & biscuits in a gardening theme.
Admission Adult: £25.00
Child: Free
Opening times 10:00-12:30

Accessibility

  • No information available at this time, please get in touch with the owners for details.
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FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Stafford House at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Sorry, Stafford House does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

Yes. Stafford House seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.