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Steepleton Manor
Steepleton Manor
(photos RC)
The late Jack Edward's book "In a Manor of History" (pub 2006 - ISBN 0-9544017-1-9) is probably the best source to date and the writer was pleased to know Jack and share research notes with him. Unfortunately, the book now appears to be out of print but hopefully it may be put "on line" in the future. Dorchester Library have a copy.
Built in 1870 and designed by architect T H Wyatt for William Charles Lambert (1797-1877) on the site of the earlier manor house (see The Old Manor House)
1871 Census : Lists the building as a Mansion (recently built) - uninhibited.
Plan : H plan house with 2 storeys and attics. Rock-faced Portland stone walls, with Ham Stone dressings. Clay tile and slate roofs. Listed (see Listed Buildings)
Owner's : After Lambert's death in 1877, his unmarried sister remained for some years .
A London lawyer Twymhoe William Erle (1828-1908) then bought the house.
Kellys Directory of 1895 & 1911 records Henry Stillwell (who died in 1913) as the owner.
In 1915 Kellys records Godfrey B Pease as the owner.
Lt Col Kenneth Robert Balfour (1863-1936) who had previously owned Brownsea Castle and Kingston Maurward House was the next owner.
Balfour was followed by Gordon Fullerton Armstrong (vehicle shock absorber inventor).
After several other owners, the property was converted into a Elderly Care Home by the Westlake family who purchased the property in 1996.
They sold it in September 2023 and Stonehouse Projects Ltd plan to form 13No self contained apartments for the older person.
Above : Steepleton Manor in c1911. Rear elevation. Lt Col Kenneth Balfour purchased the property in 1914
Undated photos of the house (Dorset Magazine) and modern photos (RC) taken from neighbouring scaffolds.
Architect : T H Wyatt (RIBA source)
Above : Estate sale of c 1962 (Dorset History Centre)
The property when completed included the writer's Old Manor Cottage adjoining which was divided into two dwellings and used to accommodate staff. The drive to this cottage was also used as a "tradesmen entrance" to the house.
The (now) garage block to Old Manor Cottage was converted c1913 (?) to a electric generator plant for Steepleton Manor. A label found within the floor structure by the writer appears to date from this time. There is a metal plate on the side of the garage through which a shaft was driven by an oil engine to drive the generator. There were bases in the garage for the generator.
Below : Listing for Manor House & Stable Block
Below : Listing for Stable & Coach House :
September 2023 : The Care Home closed and the site was acquired by Stonehouse Projects Ltd who are planning to undertake internal alterations to form 13 No self contained apartments for the elder person. Planning permission was granted in 2024 and work started in October of that year.
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