Mompesson House, Salisbury (must see)

Step into this Grade I listed gem, now under the care of the National Trust. Built in classic Queen Anne style and clad in the very same Chilmark stone used for Salisbury Cathedral, the house was commissioned by Sir Thomas Mompesson—MP for Salisbury three times over—and completed in 1701 by his son Charles. Even the cartouche over the front door is a replica of Charles and his wife Elizabeth’s coat of arms, lending a personal touch to the elegant facade.

Eventually, Charles’ brother-in-law took charge, adding a striking oak staircase and elaborate plaster detailing. The home then passed through a series of tenants—most famously Barbara Townsend, who called it home for nearly a century and famously resisted any 20th-century conveniences. By 1975, the house was in the hands of the National Trust: nearly empty, yet brimming with historical charm.

Today, it is fully furnished and features a prized collection of 18th-century drinking glasses, alongside fine porcelain and period furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Regular events and exhibitions add even more to the experience. Be sure to wander through the intimate enclosed garden, and don’t miss the tea room at the bottom. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on this little slice of Salisbury’s history.