Glorious Sunshine on a Cold Winters Day at Dorset’s Finest Tudor Manor

At the ends of the terrace in Athelhampton's historic gardens, the two pavilions - Winter Sorrow and Summer Joy - were built in 1891. Athelhampton's Victorian owner Alfred Cart de Lafontaine had Ham Hill stone used, and it takes on a beautiful warm, golden colour in the low winter sun.

A panoramic view of the dappled sunlight lighting up the Great Court at Athelhampton

At this time of year the gardens are quieter. The flowers have faded back, but the structure and architecture of the place comes into its own. Stone, proportion and long views, carefully crafted by Lafontaine and the young Francis Inigo Thomas are easier to see and appreciate.

Alfred Carte D’Lafontaine’s initials on the ornate stonework of the Pavilions

We are open for four days between Christmas and New Year, a great time to meet friends or family in the restaurant, then head out for a winter walk through the formal gardens.

Still no white Christmas, but a clear and bright Dorset one.

1891 carefully carved in the stonework of the Pavilions, marking the date they were built