Barton Manor, Whippingham

Barton Manor is a listed country house in Whippingham with grounds that feature terraced gardens, mixed plantings, and a functioning vineyard on the property. The layout takes advantage of the coastal setting, with views across woodland toward the Solent waterway.

The house traces its origins to 1086 when it was recorded in the Domesday Book, with visible medieval elements from an earlier Augustinian priory building. Queen Victoria purchased the estate in 1845, establishing decades of royal use and development that followed.

The estate's name reflects its past role as a residence for royal attendants and a receiving house for European guests of the Crown. Visitors can sense this connection to royalty in the carefully designed outdoor spaces, which were shaped by members of the royal family themselves.

The gardens open to visitors on selected summer days, and the site is easily reached by buses 4 and 5 which stop on Whippingham Road nearby. It is worth checking ahead to confirm opening days before planning your visit to the property.

Prince Albert left his mark on the original garden design at the estate, while King Edward VII later added terraced sections and an enclosed kitchen garden. Distinctive cypress trees planted on the north lawn still stand today as remnants of these royal enhancements.

Location: Whippingham

GPS coordinates: 50.74740,-1.26430

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47