Waterston Manor

Waterston Manor is a manor house in Puddletown featuring a rare combination of cut stone, flint, and brick with distinctive fish-scale roof tiles and stone-framed windows. The buildings display construction across multiple periods from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, with structural details that show the building techniques of different eras.

The manor was built in the late 16th century for Thomas Howard and underwent major rebuilding after a fire in 1863. A Renaissance front section from 1586 survived, while additional changes came from alterations made around 1911.

The manor inspired Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles, linking literary history to the physical building itself. Visitors can sense how this place captured the imagination of one of England's most important writers.

The manor is located in Puddletown in Dorset and can be viewed from outside, with the facade and outbuildings visible from the surrounding grounds. The property is a protected monument, so access may be limited or restricted depending on current conditions.

A 17th-century stone fireplace surround on the ground floor shows craftsmanship details surrounded by later additions. This remaining element from an earlier period offers a direct glimpse into the quality of work from that time.

Location: Puddletown

GPS coordinates: 50.75590,-2.37663

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00