The 12th century Saltford Manor House is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited private house in England. Located in Saltford, Somerset, this stone house was designated as a Grade II listed building. The original Norman construction was made by the 2nd Earl of Gloucester, William Fitz Robert.
Previously, the house was owned by Geoffrey de Montbray and the Bishop of Coutances at the time of the Doomsday Book.
The Saltford Manor House Photo CreditThe architectural historian, John Goodall believes that the house was constructed before 1150 because of the ornate windows that were typical of that period. Also, in that time, the Hereford Cathedral was completed and had similar Norman features with the Manor.
According to Anthony Emery, on each floor, the house had large single rooms, and on the ground floor, there was a vaulted chamber. Other significant details and items are the religious wall paintings from the 13th century, the kitchen from the 17th century, the Norman window in the main bedroom and a Tudor fireplace.
The original construction was made by the 2nd Earl of Gloucester, William Fitz Robert Photo Credit
St Mary’s Church in Saltford Photo CreditThe house has three floors, and inside there are five bedrooms, utility room, three reception rooms, dining room with the 17th-century kitchen, cloakroom, while in the backyard there are beautiful gardens, a workshop, and a garage. The medieval fish ponds which are located north-east of the house were probably used as a food source.
The Manor is close to St Mary’s Church which was the village church that still has its Norman tower and font. Until 1603, the house was owned by the prominent family of Somerset, the Rodney’s and it had various owners later.
In 1997, it was purchased by James Wynn Photo CreditThe Flower family owned the house between 1645 and 1878, and many of its members were buried in the church. During the 20thcentury, many people lived in the house. In 1997, it was purchased by James Wynn who made major renovations and decorated the interior in a minimalist style.
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After the house won the contest sponsored by Country Life in 2003, in which it was found to be the oldest continuously occupied house in England, Wynn wrote a history book about it where he describes the restorations which he made in 1997. In 2008, the Manor was put up for sale, and two years later it was sold for £1, 375, 000.
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