A Glastonbury Thorn
Historic House / ManorVisit

Cloister

in Lacock

📷 Photo by Bill Nicholls · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

In the quiet village of Beanacre near Melksham, you'll find The Cloisters, a manor house with a fascinating story behind it.

It's privately owned so you can't step inside, but it's worth learning about as you explore the area. Built in the early 20th century by architect Detmar Blow, the house has something special about it—the designer incorporated ancient architectural elements so carefully that it genuinely feels considerably older than its actual age. It's a wonderful example of how designers in that period were drawing inspiration from historical styles and materials, reinterpreting them in fresh ways.

Since it remains a private residence, you won't be able to tour the interiors, though the exterior certainly makes an impression on the landscape. If you're out walking the lanes around Beanacre, perhaps heading towards nearby Melksham or the lovely Bradford on Avon, you'll notice its distinctive character. The house is a good reminder of how architecture in this region has continuously developed over time, and how the appeal of historic design endures even when buildings stay in private hands. It's the kind of place that makes you appreciate the layers of architectural history woven through the Cotswolds.

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51.41455°N, 2.11724°W Data: osm