Locally Registered Garden: Came House (DDO19717)

Brief description of site: Came House is in a shallow valley to the south of Dorchester with access from the A352 to the east on what appears to be a private road through parkland rising on both sides. Came House is to the south on a wooded knoll with a balustraded area at the north front. The park is encircled with shelter belts. The South Winterborne runs parallel to the public road through the park. Brief history of site: Came House was built for Sir John Damer, younger brother of the Earl of Dorchester of Milton Abbey. The house, built of ashlar Portland Stone, was designed by the Blandford architect Francis Cartwright. The entrance was originally on the south front but a new entrance and conservatory were added to the house during the Victorian period. Significance: The park is on a modest scale with features from a number of periods, including shelter belts, drive, gate piers, conservatory and balustrading. The parish church and buildings are set in a peaceful landscape. The eastern boundary is marked by a highly picturesque lodge. Sources: E R Delderfield West Country Historic Houses and their Families vol. II, 1970. p 24-28 J Hutchins History and Antiquitities of the County of Dorset, vol. 1 , 1774, p345 J Hutchins History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset, 3rd ed. Vol II 1863, p. 289 A Oswald Country Houses of Dorset, 1935 (1959) pp 32-41, 160, 163 Timothy Mowl Historic Gardens of Dorset 2003 pp 91, 105. Ill.p92

Record last edited

Apr 13 2016 5:34PM