Set in the heart of the Dorset countryside – the inspiration for many Thomas Hardy novels – Kingston Maurward’s 750 acre estate comprises a renowned land-based college, working farm & dairy, commercial equestrian centre & stables, Animal Park, formal gardens and thriving wedding and conference venue.

Its impressive main house was originally built from red brick – in the classic Palladium style that characterised the period – by Thomas Archer or John James of Greenwich between 1717 and 1720 for George Pitt, cousin of the then Prime Minister, William Pitt.George Pitt and his wife Lora (née Grey) had lived in Kingston Maurward’s Elizabethan manor house, built by her great-great grandfather in 1597. The Grey family had owned the estate for many generations having acquired it through marriage from the Maurward family, who were the ancient Lords of the area. As George’s wealth grew, he decided that he needed a more fitting home for his family.