Yarlington House, B&B, Wincanton

History

Yarlington House was built in 1782 on the outskirts of the village of Yarlington where no house had been before. This was very much the heyday of Georgian architecture and the results speak for themselves: built of mellow brick with stone facings, it is a perfect example of the period both inside and out.

The spot was very much an open space and George III, who was passing on his way from Weymouth to Longleat when the house was being built, was told it was the work of the new squire and is supposed to have said, "Hah! hah! A bold man, a bold man, to build a house there". The bravery was rewarded for now that trees and a mature garden surround it, it is an absolute gem.

The West wing was added in the mid-1800s in order to give more room in which to entertain than the conventional Georgian drawing room would allow. The hub of this extension is the Music Room. The ceiling there is in the Jacobean style and the walls were originally panelled in oak.

Yarlington House is the home of Count and Countess Charles de Salis who have contributed so much to the garden: building the ha-ha, planting the pleached limes, creating the sunken garden at the other end of the lawn – and many other features. The walled kitchen garden and the dovecote are contemporary with the house.

Food & beverage

Full English breakfast included and served freshly to order using locally sourced produce. Dinner is not normally available but there are excellent restaurants and pubs within walking distance. 

Grounds & Gardens

The gardens are simply stunning with many features set within a ha-ha (sunken wall). Although obviously at their best during the summer months, there is always something of interest to enjoy throughout the year.

The house is approached through the very private drive with woodland on one side and mature trees on the other. The gardens are set within their own parkland so that for almost as far as the eye can see becomes your exclusive world for the day.

The rose garden nestles invitingly behind the pleached limes with the lily pond in the centre. The wisteria arbour provides a colourful backdrop in May. The sunken Italian garden contains a plethora of roses and flowering shrubs – a dream of colour in summer months graduating to Autumn yellows and oranges. The apple pergola (above) makes a romantic setting for photographs.  The golden laburnum walk is enchanting. For those who feel like a stroll, the woodland dell has the original Victorian winding paths fashioned in the manner of an amphitheatre.

The kitchen garden is contemporary with the house. Its original brick walls and 18th century box edged beds make an attractive setting but still fulfil their original purpose of providing produce for the house.

The gardens are listed in the Daily Telegraph Good Garden Guide. They are not normally open to the public but parties can visit by arrangement.

Other facilities

Use of a heated swimming pool in the summer months.