Barrington Court

Barrington Court is one of Somerset’s most atmospheric Tudor mansions, a place where craftsmanship and quiet elegance shape every room. Built in the 1530s and later rescued from ruin by Colonel Arthur Lyle in the early 20th century, it became one of the first major National Trust restorations. Lyle filled the house with fine panelling, carved fireplaces and beautifully proportioned interiors, creating a harmonious blend of Tudor structure and Arts and Crafts sensibility. Inside, the long gallery is a standout, stretching across the upper floor with warm timber, leaded windows and views over the gardens. The showrooms reveal the Trust’s early conservation philosophy: stripped‑back spaces that celebrate architecture rather than decoration. You can explore the great hall, intimate chambers and staircases that highlight the building’s symmetry and craftsmanship. The gardens are equally compelling. Designed in a series of formal “rooms,” they include orchards, herbaceous borders, a kitchen garden and tranquil lawns framed by brick walls and clipped hedges. The nearby Strode House, once the estate’s working heart, adds another layer of history.