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Melbury House and Church

Melbury House has evolved over the centuries from a simple medieval country manor house of the former village of Melbury Sampford, to the imposing building that stands here today (of which just a small part is visible). Its unique hexagonal tower, and the multi-gabled mansion that lies behind this view of the entrance front, can only be glimpsed further along the public footpath that runs through the park. The former parish church of St Mary to the left, dates from the C15. The house has as its backdrop a magnificent park landscaped by Capability Brown that contains many superb tree specimens, deer, and a lake. Owned by the Strangeways family and their descendants, one of whom was created Lord Ilchester in 1741, the park and its estate is known collectively today as the Ilchester Estates, and continues under the ownership of a Strangeways family descendant. The house and the church are grade I listed.