Earlier Houses: There was an earlier manor house named Pidele on, or near, the site of the current house.

Built / Designed For: Sir William Martyn

House & Family History: Thomas Hardy's father, also named Thomas, was involved in the building of the new Athelhampton church in the 19th century. His son was a frequent visitor and painted a watercolor of the house in 1859. Athelhampton House, together with 29 acres, was listed for sale for £7.5 million in 2019.

Comments: Athelhampton is considered one of the greatest 15th century manor houses in England.

Garden & Outbuildings: The architectural garden is considered to be one of the most significant of its kind in England. Winner of the HHA/Christie's Garden of the Year Award, 1997.

Country Life: XIX, 834, 1906.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade I

Current Seat / Home of: Giles Keating; here since 2019.

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSE: de Loundres family, 13th century. de Pydele family, 15th century. Sir Richard Martyn, 14th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Sir William Martyn, 16th century; Robert Martyn, 16th century; Sir Nicholas Martyn, late 16th century; Martyn family here from 1350 until 1595. Henry Brune, 17th century. Sir Ralph Bankes, 17th century. Sir Robert Long, 17th century; James Long, 18th century. William Pole-Tylney-Long-Wellesley, 1825-48. George Wood, 1848-66; George Wood-Homer, 1866-90. Alfred Cart de Lafontaine, 1890-1918. George Cochrane, 1918-29. Margaret Harmsworth, 1929-48. Rodney Phillips, 1949-57. Robert Victor Cooke, 1957-66; Robert Cooke, 1966-92; Patrick and Andrea Cooke, 1992-2019; Cooke family here from 1957 until 2019.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01305-848-363

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.athelhampton.com/

Awards: Christie's/HHA Garden of the Year Award 1997.

Historic Houses Member: Yes