Three South Somerset Hidden Gems

Enjoy exclusive private tours of three of south Somerset’s secret houses.

An opportunity to discover three unspoilt and beautiful south Somerset houses set in lovely grounds commencing at Sparkford Hall, a classical Georgian country house set in 16 acres of parkland, orchards and gardens. The house is built from stone ashlar with an extension in lias stone and hipped Welsh slate roofs and ashlar chimney stacks with moulded caps. It was home to the Bennett family who extended their earlier farmhouse in 1828. Our tour will cover all the major rooms and outbuildings with time to wander the grounds. 

Dillington House image © Roger May / Dillington House

Later visit Grade II* Dillington House with 16th-century origins and reshaped around 1838 by its then owner John E Lee to the design of Sir James Pennethorne. The house was the residence of George III’s Prime Minister Lord North who acquired it through marriage to Anne Speke. The stables which were built in the late 18th century were remodelled in 1875 by George Nattress and later in the 1960s when the Coach House was converted into a theatre. The two lodges adjacent to the main gate are also Grade II* listed. In 1940, the “Fortress Ilminster” project, the remains of which can be traced today, saw the area prepare for what was thought to be imminent invasion by the Nazis. The drive extending from the town, north toward Dillington House, hosted tank barricades and concrete gun emplacements. Our visit will include an owner-led tour of Grade II listed Whitelackington Manor owned by the Speke family since before the records of 1430 up to the 1790s. In 1795 the Speke family’s descendants sold the house and estate to John Hanning, who is the ancestor of the current owners, the Camerons. Our tours will touch on the fascinating and illustrious history of the houses and their owners and the various changes of use and occupation that have taken place throughout the centuries at all three properties.

Tickets £88 including a two-course lunch with tea and coffee at the Sparkford Inn. 

Lunch options to be made available to attendees in May 2024