A 17th-century house

Dyrham Park's house was built in the 17th-century and its rooms give us an insight into life back then for founder William Blathwayt and his family. 

Following a major conservation project to re-roof the house and protect the collection, the house is being transformed with new areas and guided tours to help share the story of our journey.

Dutch influences

Dutch influences are easy to see in the house - from Delftware ceramics to artwork by prominent Dutch painters such as Cornelis de Heem and Samuel van Hoogstraten.

Look out for the famous Hoogstraten painting in Mr Blathwayt's apartment as well as our latest de Heem acquisition hung carefully above an ornate fireplace.

Mr Blathwayt's apartment

Mr Blathwayt's apartment is a sensory experience where you can see, hear, smell, touch and get a literal taste of the 17th-century, in the shape of a sample of hot chocolate made to a traditional recipe.

Situated on the East front, the side of the house you see as you come down the drive, it comprises a selection of rooms with different furniture, paintings, ceramics and tapestries.

Conservation studio tours

March saw the introduction of new conservation studio tours in the house. You can meet our expert team of conservators as they care for the collection and learn more about the work that goes into this never-ending task. Tours run at various times during weekdays, please check with visitor reception on arrival for more details.

Building Dyrham

You can learn more about how the house was originally built and about the ongoing conservation project at the Building Dyrham exhibition in the basement; from the traditional techniques used in the 17th-century to those used today by lead workers, stone workers and carpenters working on the replacement roof.