Keeper’s House and Keeper’s Cottage view from East African Plains
A project to transform a collection of cottages on the Longleat Estate into luxury retreats has revealed their fascinating history.
A total of six properties, many dating back to the 18th century, are currently being turned into exclusive rural escapes with the first three set to be available for bookings from April.
As part of the renovation project, a team of archivists have researched the heritage of each of the properties and uncovered their intriguing history and the lives of the people who lived in them over the centuries.
“As well as offering luxurious accommodation in a stunning setting, we also wanted to explore and reflect each of the properties’ unique story,” said Jon Timney, Director of Estate.
“Within the Longleat archives we have revealed original plans and drawings, as well old photographs and documents which have allowed us to illustrate the role these cottages have played in the estate’s rich history,” he added.
Among the newly renovated country getaways is East Lodge. It was originally built in the 1760s as part of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s transformation of Longleat’s parkland.
Built in the shape of a triumphal arch, the building was later redesigned in the 19th century by renowned architect Jeffry Wyatville, the man behind the remodelling of Windsor Castle.
The building once afforded lodging for a porter to oversee traffic entering the Park and collecting the occasional ‘special’ tolls, such as sheep drovers’ way fees, or the shilling due from hearses taking a coffin to its burial place.
Nestled in secluded woodland with views across the rolling Estate, the 18th century Deer Keeper’s House was originally built to house the Longleat Steward.
By the start of WWII it was being used by gamekeeper Bill Buckett, who became Sergeant of Longleat’s Auxiliary Unit, set up to resist German invasion, and used as the unit’s equipment and ammunition store.
When plans for the opening of the famous Safari Park became public in 1965, the then tenant, a Labour MP, urgently requested the installation of a telephone line in case of stray lions.
Overlooking the Safari Park’s East Africa reserve, the two keepers’ cottages were originally a single dwelling. Its first resident, Park Keeper Charles Lucas, lived there for more than 40 years. On top of his salary, he also had a weekly allowance to keep four bloodhounds.
In 1968 the building was divided into two and used as accommodation for the ‘Lions of Longleat’ keepers.
Initially East Lodge, Keeper’s House and Keeper’s Cottage will be available for bookings from April, with Deer Keepers House, Gardeners Cottage and Prairie Lodge being added in time for the summer.
Home to the Marquesses of Bath since the 1600s, Longleat has been welcoming visitors for more than 400 years. The Wiltshire estate was the first to open its doors to the public back in 1949 and totally re-defined the world of tourism in 1966 when it launched the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa.
For full details on all of the cottages and information on how to book visit www.longleat.co.uk/accommodation/accommodation-at-longleat
