Yarlington House, B&B, Wincanton (Somerset)

An elegant Georgian manor house, set in its own grounds of parkland. The family home of Count and Countess de Salis.

Summary 18th century buildings Breakfast included Free car parking (on site) No smoking Facilities Shared gardens Swimming pool

Food and Drinks English breakfast (included) Nearby recreations Pub (a short drive) Museums (a short drive) Historic houses Gardens Golf course (a short drive) Recommended restaurants (a short drive)

Introduction

Yarlington House is an elegant Georgian manor house situated in Yarlington near Wincanton with easy access to Bath, Bristol and Salisbury (under 1 hour drive), Serbourne and Wells (under 25 minutes drive). Built of mellow brick in classical style, set in its own grounds of parkland thus giving complete privacy.  It has gracious rooms and spacious and interesting grounds. Although formal in aspect, it is very much a family home lived in by Count and Countess Charles de Salis and their family.

The interior of the house is full of interest. The furnishings lend an atmosphere of style and elegance. The owner is particularly interested in textiles and her collection can be seen throughout the house.

History to the present day

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 and Drinks

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 and 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.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Yarlington House, Nr Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8DY, United Kingdom

Address: Yarlington House, Yarlington, Nr Wincanton, Somerset.  BA9 8DY

The village of Yarlington is situated 4 miles North West of Wincanton in Somerset.

Directions: From London and the East

Take the A303 to the Wincanton turning and then follow the A371 signed to Castle Cary. Pass the Holbrook House Hotel on your right and, after approx 11/2 miles, Yarlington is signed off to the left (coming from the North this sign is on the right three miles out of Castle Cary on the A371). After half a mile turn right signed to Yarlington. The drive to Yarlington House is a hundred yards on the left just past a pink cottage.

From the West on the A303

Yarlington is signed off left some 41/2 miles after the Sparkford roundabout. Straight over the first cross roads and take the next left signed to Yarlington. The drive to Yarlington House is a hundred yards on the left just past a pink cottage. When visiting, take the left fork at the top of the drive, through the gates and into the rear courtyard and knock at the first back door.

From Paddington: Exeter & Penzance line to Castle Cary (1 hr 40 mins)
From Waterloo: Exeter line to Templecombe (1 hr 50 mins)
 

More photos of Yarlington House, B&B, Wincanton

The Hall	Tent room	Julia's bedroom	Garden view	Formal garden
Sunken garden	Kitchen garden	Laburnam walk	A portrait	Bunk bedroom