Leeson House

Leeson House is a protected country house in Langton Matravers that functions as an environmental education center and encompasses seven acres of varied habitats including ponds, meadows, and woodlands. The building features two dining rooms, several lounges, a conference hall, and teaching spaces equipped with a field laboratory.

The house was built in 1805 by Reverend John Dampier on land previously noted in the Domesday Book. During World War II it later served as a radar research facility.

The building reflects early 19th century architectural methods and residential design traditions of England as a protected structure. It represents a chapter in the English country house heritage of that period.

The location sits within the Purbeck area and is designed for school groups and field study visits, with accommodation available for roughly 60 people. The mix of indoor teaching spaces and outdoor grounds makes it possible to conduct lessons both inside and outside.

Since 1967 the renovated building has functioned as an environmental education center, regularly drawing school groups for hands-on learning in nature and science. This transformation from the original residence to a modern learning space has fundamentally shifted the place's role in education.