Have you ever wanted to experience the grandeur and history of staying at one of England's great historic houses?  

Mapperton House, the Tudor seat of the Earl of Sandwich, near Beaminster, will be the exclusive setting for a small number of guests who will immerse themselves in the elegance and timelessness of Old England, surrounded by the spectacular West Dorset countryside.

Inspired by the Grand Tours of the 18th century, Grand Historic Tours will provide guests with privileged access to Mapperton for five nights, where they will be welcomed by hosts Luke and Julie Montagu, Viscount and Viscountess Hinchingbrooke. 

Viscount Hinchingbrooke said: "Julie and I are delighted to invite guests into our home to experience the many joys of Mapperton.

"There's always lots going on; we look forward to making new friends and giving them behind-the-scenes access to life on an English country estate."

The first Grand Historic Tour takes place in October 2023 and is limited to 12 people.  Guests will have the opportunity to dress up for formal dinners, sleep in one of the grand bedrooms, take afternoon tea in the drawing room and even take a dip in the wild swimming pool!  

Guests will also enjoy a private house tour with the Earl of Sandwich, who delights in sharing the story of the eponymous snack as well as his family's contribution to Britain's naval history.

The Countess of Sandwich will give a private tour of the award-winning gardens, and there will be tours led by Luke of the wider estate and its approach to farming and re-wilding.

Julie will also lead optional wellbeing and yoga activities, and guests will be invited for private lunches and tours at two other Dorset stately homes and exclusive visits to local attractions, including one of Dorset's finest restaurants.

Julie, who also hosts the popular YouTube channel American Viscountess, said: "I'm very excited to host a quintessentially English country house party, where we will dress up, eat delicious food and celebrate our wonderful surroundings and the Dorset countryside.  

"I promise that guests will leave with stories that will last a lifetime!" 

There is an Early Bird discount offer for all bookings made by January 31 2023.