Sherborne House, South Front

The first house was built between 1651 and 1653 for a Mr John Dutton. An artist’s impression of 1768 shows the west front as having had two large wings, no longer in existence. The stable block was added in 1776. The house was rebuilt, following the discovery of widespread dry rot, in the 1830s, largely in a 19th century Renaissance style, with each of the stones of the carefully dismantled old building being numbered for incorporation into the new. When completed the then 2nd Lord Sherborne ordered extensive alterations to be made, at the expense of the architect. The house had over 100 rooms and was said to have a window for each day of the year. The Dutton/Sherborne family remained in Sherborne House until 1940, when it was occupied by the army, moving to Lodge Park (now also owned by The National Trust). Sherborne House was later used as a school and thereafter divided into the impressive range of privately owned apartments which remain today.

The beautifully maintained grounds of Sherborne House include a glorious Orangery, hard tennis court, extensive lawns and wooded areas, heated indoor swimming pool, gym area and communal barbeque, all of which are available to residents and guests. There are sweeping views of the Windrush Valley and the peace and quiet offered by the position of this lovely house at the edge of Sherborne Village have to be experienced to be believed. Adjacent to house is the Church of St Mary Magdalene, built mainly in the 19th century but with part of a 14th century tower still standing, although with the later addition of a steeple and vaulted roof. The church and the separate Dutton family vault in the old cemetery contain many memorials to the Dutton and Sherborne families. Most of the village is itself owned by The National Trust, so remains totally unspoiled and its cottages and houses, not to mention the village Post Office, are as picturesque as in any of the many nearby better known, busier Cotswold villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Burford etc.

Courtyard from Apt 29	Inside the Orangery

There is a large tarmac-surfaced communal car park about 90m. from the front of Sherborne House, but a turning circle allows residents to unload luggage at the main front double doors. Access to Apartment 29 is then gained through the entrance hall and two (long-ish!) flights of stairs to the second floor. Since there is no lift we recommend that when packing for your holiday you may prefer to pack your belongings in two or more small/medium pieces of luggage rather than one large one.

No. 29 has its own entrance hallway (with airing cupboard) and is a very well-appointed spacious studio apartment with a comfortable pull-down double bed which is easily put away during the day. The dining/general use table is also pull-down and when in use reveals the flat screen TV (with Freeview box and choice of programmes) and DVD/CD player.

The Studio at daytime	...and bedtime

There is a large double wardrobe with overhead shelving and ample additional shelves and glass fronted cupboards in the bed and table wall unit. Two armchairs, two comfortable, cushioned folding dining chairs and a useful nest of three occasional tables comprise the rest of the furniture in the main room, which looks onto the beautiful courtyard, replete with fountain, flowers and cloisters, below.

Off the hallway is the shower room with shower cabinet, WC and WB.

Off the studio is a very well equipped separate kitchen: electric oven/hobs with extractor hood – microwave – fridge with small freezer compartment – washer/dryer – excellent range of saucepans and utensils.

Outside: Extensive gardens (approx. 10 acres) – wooded areas – rose garden – communal barbeque – hard tennis court – direct access to National Trust walks – indoor heated swimming pool, sauna (small charge) and gym equipment – courtyard. Church adjacent to main house.