Wolfeton House, Manor house in Charminster, England
Wolfeton House is a three-story manor house built in the Tudor period, located in Charminster between the rivers Frome and Cerne. The building features walls made of Purbeck rubble stone, slate roofs, and sits within water meadows that frame the property.
Sir Thomas Trenchard built the original courtyard section around 1480 on this land. The estate gained prominence in 1506 when it hosted Philip of Austria and Queen Joanna, showing its importance as a noble residence.
The main staircase from 1580 displays carved figures on its balustrade, reflecting the skill of craftspeople who worked here centuries ago. The Great Chamber holds an original 16th-century floor with decorated fireplaces that show how the family displayed their wealth through their home.
The property is managed by the Landmark Trust and available for holiday rentals, allowing visitors to stay overnight in the historic surroundings. Its location northwest of Dorchester makes it easy to reach for those exploring the wider area.
The gatehouse completed in 1534 has two different round towers and shows carvings of a satyr and a woodmouse holding staves around the entrance. This playful artistic detail from the 1500s is rarely seen on buildings of this type.
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