Manley-Lefevre House

The Manley-Lefevre House is a historic residence in Dorset featuring marble walls approximately 20 inches (50 cm) thick and a two-and-a-half-story design with flanking sidelights at the entrance. The building sits on a 100-acre estate crisscrossed by hiking trails that lead to historic quarries.

Martin Manley built this marble house before 1820 on his father's land as a distinctive residential structure. Substantial expansions occurred between 1908 and 1927 that reinforced rather than altered its original form.

The property now hosts the Marble House Project, an organization providing residencies for artists in converted outbuildings and creative spaces. Visitors can observe how the former residence has been transformed into a place for artistic creation.

The property is located on Dorset West Road, a couple of miles south of Dorset village, and offers good access for visitors. The best time to visit is during warmer months when the hiking trails are in good condition and the grounds are most welcoming.

The marble used in construction came directly from quarries on the property or nearby West Rutland, with finishing likely completed on-site during the initial building. This made the house's creation a local enterprise that took full advantage of available materials.

Location: Dorset

GPS coordinates: 43.23000,-73.08722

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22