Worlds Best Homes

Explore the glorious estate of Viscount and Viscountess Julie Montagu Hinchingbrooke

American Viscountess, Julie Montagu, is returning to screens to showcase the best stately homes in the UK, including her home – Mapperton Estate

Mapperton Estate hallway
(Image credit: Mapperton Estate)

Mapperton Estate on England's idyllic southern Dorset coast is among the UK's finest manor houses – with equally interesting owners. 

The impressive property is home to Viscount and Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, Julie Montagu – the American entrepreneur – and daughter-in-law of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. 

Julie has recently launched a new YouTube series, aptly named American Viscountess, which offers an insight into the Illinois-native's home – and celebrates Britain's most magnificent country houses – and some of the world's best homes. However, you don't need to wait for the show for an insight into Mapperton Estate. 

Mapperton Estate exteriors

(Image credit: Mapperton Estate)

The grand property blends historic allure with aristocratic allure – here we look inside the Viscount and Viscountess' home.  

Mapperton Estate bedroom

(Image credit: Mapperton Estate)

Nestled amid the verdant Dorset landscape, Mapperton Estate's glorious exterior mirrors the equally regent interiors – that are designed to impress from the entrance hall to the bedroom – and beyond. 

The stately entrance sets the bar for the most luxurious hallway ideas – showcasing an unrivaled art collection and dangling chandelier. 

Mapperton Estate entrance hall

(Image credit: Mapperton Estate)

Meanwhile, the second hall offers further design inspiration through its marble floor and beautifully curated accessories, including a large gold mirror that reflects the room's grandeur – to leave a lasting impression on all who pass through the space.  

Mapperton Estate hallway

(Image credit: Mapperton Estate)

The drawing room is a further source of traditional living room ideas, with its ornate rug and fireplace that accentuate the detailed ceiling and pay homage to the property's rich heritage.  

Mapperton Estate drawing room

(Image credit: Mapperton Estate)

Beyond the sweeping staircase, Mapperton Estate's bedrooms exhibit the best in timeless English design – including a four-poster bed and a detailed mural that crowns the room with an ageless allure. 

However, despite its timelessness, the Viscount and Viscountess's elegant bedroom ideas also offer a nod to contemporary trends – from its rattan furnishings to its pastel-pink velvet that brings the room into the modern-day.  

Mapperton Estate bedroom

(Image credit: Mapperton Estate)

Beyond the interiors, the estate curates beautiful garden ideas through its flowing botanical displays and injection of outdoor art pieces that continue the celebrated aesthetic beyond its four walls.  

Mapperton Estate

(Image credit: Mapperton Estate)

Julie Montagu Hinchingbrooke visits some of Britain's most spectacular homes via her channel every Sunday. If they're as inspiring as her Mapperton Estate, then we'll certainly be watching.  

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.