Explore a former Tudor powerhouse turned 17th Century family home, set in gardens, woodlands and wetlands. Historic gems include a pre-Reformation chapel, Tudor oak gallery with 16th Century wood carvings and neo-classical staircase hall.

Set in a scenic landscape, you can take some time out in sprawling gardens and woodlands. For invigorating walks, you can hit the network of paths that run through Morgaston Woods. In spring, look out for a haze of bluebells in dappled sunlight and during autumn, you can stroll beneath a copper canopy and spot fungi flourishing beside the path. For seasonal blooms and historic landmarks, venture up the Lime Avenue to the Summerhouse Garden and take in the domed roof and Grecian-cross floorplan of the 17th Century summerhouse. The walled garden is home to beaming daffodil borders in spring and burgeoning dahlias in late summer alongside other horticultural delights. Just off the Lime Avenue, The Vyne’s orchard features delicate blossoms in spring and ripening fruit such as apples and mulberries in autumn.

The cosy Brewhouse tea-room serves light refreshments and hot and cold beverages. For picnics, try the north lawn by the wide lake and overlooked by The Vyne’s grand portico.

Why we love it:

• A place to get away from it all and connect with nature.
• Seasonal flower highlights.
• Family house and garden trails.

The Vyne and Jane Austen

The Vyne sits eight miles from Steventon Village, which meant that in the late 18th century its proximity to Steventon put the Chute family, who owned it, within Jane Austen’s families local connections. Jane’s father George associated with the country gentry in the area and these included the Chutes at The Vyne. Furthermore, Jane’s brother James Austen became a close friend of Tom Chute, as they regularly went fox hunting together and James later became the vicar of Sherborne St John, the Parish in which the Vyne is situated. The Vyne is now a National Trust property, where visitors can explore the gorgeous grounds and the historic house. They will be running Jane Austen related events throughout 2025, including a guided tour of the house.  

Jane and her sister Cassandra certainly took part in local society, including friendships formed through family associations and the connections provided by their father and brothers. Jane often wrote letters referring to the Chutes and most significantly, she wrote of the Chutes in February 1817; only a few months before her death in July. Her connections and interest in the Chutes remained her whole adult life;

“I am sorry to hear of Caroline Wiggetts being so ill. Mrs Chute would feel almost like a mother in losing her.”

Find out more about accessibility at The Vyne.