Chapel Cleeve Manor

Chapel Cleeve Manor is a Grade II* listed building located in Chapel Cleeve, Somerset, England. This historic manor, originally constructed in the 1450s as a pilgrims’ hostel, has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, serving as a private residence, hotel, and now a restoration project under its current owner.

History

Origins as a Pilgrims' Hostel

Chapel Cleeve Manor was established in the mid-15th century by the monks of Cleeve Abbey as a hospitium, or hostel, for pilgrims visiting the chapel of St Mary.
The chapel itself was built to replace an earlier one that had been lost to coastal erosion. The manor’s original purpose was to provide shelter and hospitality to religious travelers, reflecting its close ties to the monastic community.

Post-dissolution ownership

Following the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s, the manor was leased by Henry VIII to Anthony Bustard, though this lease was later revoked in favor of Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex, who was rewarded for his loyalty to the crown. By the early 17th century, the Stewkley family acquired the property, using it as their family home until 1723, when it was sold to Sir James Langham, 7th Baronet.

19th and 20th century expansions

In the early 19th century, the manor was extended under the designs of architect Richard Carver, with new woods planted on the estate to enhance its landscape. During World War I, the Lysaght family, who then occupied the manor, added a grand main entrance and a ballroom, which now serves as the dining room. The estate was once surrounded by an extensive landscape park, though much of this was developed into housing by the 1970s.

In 1969, Donald and Rita Rose, along with their sons Nigel and Kevin, purchased the manor and transformed it into a thriving country public house and bar restaurant. The family hosted large-scale events, including balls, dances, and weddings, until 1972, when they sold the property and emigrated to New Zealand. By the 1980s, the manor operated as the Chapel Cleeve Manor Hotel, a well-known local establishment.

Restoration efforts

Late 20th century challenges

In 1998, Jeannie Wilkins and her partner purchased the manor for £360,000 with plans to restore it. Partial restoration was completed by 2002, but financial difficulties and the couple’s separation halted progress. Wilkins, left as the sole owner, estimated that an additional £500,000 was needed to make the 17-bedroom manor habitable. The manor was listed for sale at £1,695,000, remaining on the market for several years.

In 2012, the manor featured in an episode of Channel 4’s ''Country House Rescue'', which explored strategies to fund restoration, including ghost-hunting tours and special excursions by the West Somerset Railway. Students from Somerset College of Arts and Technology also contributed to restoration work, though significant repairs remained incomplete by 2015.

Current restoration by Marten Street

Following Jeannie Wilkins’ death in September 2020, London-based interior designer Marten Street purchased the manor in January 2021 for an undisclosed sum. Street has undertaken an ambitious restoration project, documented on the manor’s official website and Instagram account. The restoration aims to preserve the manor’s historical features while modernizing it for future use, potentially as a private residence or event venue.

In 2023, Street proposed installing perspex “meditational glamping pods” in the manor’s garden, a plan that sparked local debate due to the property’s listed status. Additionally, in 2024, Street erected a 6ft wicker fence to obscure views of neighboring properties, leading to a publicized dispute with local residents.

Present day

As of June 2025, Chapel Cleeve Manor remains under restoration by Marten Street, with ongoing efforts to revitalize the 27,000-square-foot property and its 7 acres of land. The manor has attracted attention for its historical significance and recent developments, including events hosted by the Devonshire Association to showcase its architecture. The manor’s proximity to the King Charles III England Coast Path has also made it a point of interest for visitors exploring Somerset’s coastal heritage.

References

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Houses completed in the 15th century
Grade II* listed buildings in West Somerset
Grade II* listed houses in Somerset