Pythouse, Grade II* listed country house in West Tisbury, England.
Pythouse is a classical country house built in the 18th century with an Ionic portico and formal gardens separated from surrounding parkland by a ha-ha barrier. The main residence remains private, though the adjacent Kitchen Garden with working vegetable plots and dining facilities welcomes visitors.
The house was built in 1725 in a classical style and redesigned in 1805 by John Benett with architect Thomas Hopper, who added Palladian features. These 19th-century changes shaped the building's current character and architectural importance.
The name comes from the Pyt family, who held the land for centuries and left their mark on this place through its enduring title. Today, visitors experience this heritage through the house's gardens and the restaurant that now operates on the grounds.
The main house is not open to the public, but visitors can explore the Kitchen Garden and dine at the on-site restaurant throughout the year. The grounds are easy to navigate and offer both open areas for walking and covered spaces for dining.
The property served as a retirement home run by the Country Houses Association for 46 years before returning to private ownership in 2004. This unusual second life demonstrates how historic houses can adapt to serve different purposes when circumstances shift.
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