Sandhill Park, Historic country house in Bishops Lydeard, England
Sandhill Park is a country house built around 1720 with symmetrical facades and multiple wings extending from the central structure. The Grade II* listed building displays architectural details from that era, featuring classical proportions and a sprawling layout across the estate grounds.
The house was built in 1720 by John II Periam, a Member of Parliament, who originally used it as a private residence. During World War I it was converted to hold prisoners of war, and later in World War II it served a military medical role.
From 1919, the location became a center for social care when Somerset County Council adapted it to serve children with disabilities. This shift in how the property was used shows how attitudes toward care and support evolved over time.
The building is not currently open to the public as it is undergoing redevelopment to create residences on the property. Check ahead before visiting to understand the current status of access to the site.
During World War II, a military hospital on the grounds treated more than 1,000 neurological patients in temporary tent wards and additional structures. This medical scale was unusual for a country location during wartime.
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