CARVERY
SHOPPING
BAG
Gardens for all seasons
In 1891, a young man, Alfred Cart de Lafontaine purchased Athelhampton to create his architectural gardens designed by Francis Inigo Thomas.
Ham-Stone compartments present contrasting planting that changes with the seasons. Subsequent owners have left their own mark upon the 12-acre gardens, enlarging, refining, and enhancing them. The Edwardian kitchen garden is part of our 10-year plan to provide low food miles produce to our restaurant and shop.
Today the award-winning Grade 1 listed gardens are managed by Head Gardener Sophy Robertson, she and her team are always happy to meet fellow gardeners.
South Walk
Canal Pond
Octagon
In 1891, a young man, Alfred Cart de Lafontaine purchased Athelhampton to create his architectural gardens designed by Francis Inigo Thomas.
In 1891, a young man, Alfred Cart de Lafontaine purchased Athelhampton to create his architectural gardens designed by Francis Inigo Thomas.
A House for all seasons
In 1485, the same year at the Battle of Bosworth, William Martyn inherited Athelhampton from his father.
William built the Tudor Great Hall and his son, and grandsons extended the house, adding the west wing and gatehouse.
The Martyn line died out in 1595 and the house was divided, between four Martyn daughters, for the following centuries the manor is used as a farmhouse.
In 1840 the divide was reunited and the house prospered, over the next 100 years five successive owners made their own changes, adding to Athelhampton's rich history.
In 2019 the Estate was purchased by Giles Keating and a new chapter begins.
Events
Every year at Athelhampton we plan an exciting range of events for you to enjoy.
Our friends at Chapterhouse Theatre have worked with Athelhampton for over 20 years, and each year deliver a fabulous performance.
We have extended our offering to add more theatre, ballet, music and more to our diary this year.
Athelhampton.Zero
In 2021 we helped lower Dorset's carbon footprint by removing Athelhampton's reliance on fossil fuels.
Our LPG & Oil Heating, LPG Cooking, and Diesel Backup Generators have all been removed. We have installed Solar PV Electrical generation, Ground & Air Source heating & Battery backup.
Our aim simply, to match our total energy requirement with energy generation.
Our Project has been part-funded by Low Carbon Dorset as part of the European Regional Development Fund
