Arundells

Arundells, the home of former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, is now open to the public. The house opens, on a guided tour basis, Bank Holidays, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday afternoons, from 1pm to 5:30pm. Please pre-book.

Arundells was a Medieval Canonry in the thirteenth century and probably first used by Henry of Blunston, Archdeacon of Dorset, who died in 1316. From the mid-1550s the house was leased by the Dean and Chapter to lay tenants. Much of the current house's appearance is due to John Wyndham who lived there between 1718 and 1750. After a period of decay and neglect when demolition was considered, Arundells was renovated in the 1960s, and refurbished by Sir Edward Heath when he came to live here in 1985.


Sir Edward's collections of musical and sailing memorabilia, Oriental and European ceramics, paintings, original political cartoons, bronzes and photographs are all on display within.

The house is surrounded by a beautiful two-acre walled garden stretching down to the River Avon.