Mapperton: A Modern Revival by The American Countess
Mylands has brought a fresh palette of colour to Mapperton House, the Jacobean manor nestled in the heart of Dorset, as part of a bold and beautiful restoration project led by Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich. A historic treasure, Mapperton has long been recognised for its unique architectural and cultural significance and its award-winning gardens. Today, it is undergoing a modern revival, one that blends traditional English heritage with contemporary sensibilities.
The front facing exterior of Mapperton Estate, located in West Dorset
Julie Montagu, the Countess of Sandwich in her office in the main estate. Walls in Serpentine™No.192, Bookcase and Woodwork in Brompton Road™ No.205, Bookcase Shelves in Huguenot™ No.49
Today, Mapperton is more than just a historic house. It is the epicentre of a vibrant revival, led by Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich, reimagining the role of custodian with a distinctly 21st-century lens. Julie’s fresh approach mirrors the legacy of the family's American Heiress, Alberta, 9th Countess of Sandwich.
Julie honours that same spirit—reviving the estate with careful research and public exhibitions, adding a modern approach to its heritage and stewardship. This time, with a camera, through her YouTube channel, Mapperton Live. Julie opens Mapperton’s doors to a global audience, offering virtual tours, candid restoration updates, and a compelling look into the realities of maintaining a historic estate in the 21st century.
Her passion isn’t just digital—it’s tangible. When it came time to redecorate key rooms in Mapperton House, Julie discovered Mylands while researching heritage-quality paints with contemporary flair. “I was instantly drawn to Mylands’ story,” Julie recalls. “It’s family-run, deeply British, and utterly uncompromising in quality—a perfect fit for Mapperton.”
Incorporating the paints throughout the house and estate, with the help of Malcolm Winyard, a highly acclaimed interior designer, she has chosen timeless hues to bring depth and elegance to a range of interior spaces, bringing the past and the present together through colour.
MAPPERTON HOUSE: A JACOBEAN HOME
Working on the renovation and preservation of Mapperton House, Julie has selected Mylands colours highlighting key architectural features and historic elements of the property. Both the Library room and the Media Room are important spaces, one for hosting an exhibition dedicated to Alberta, 9th Countess of Sandwich and its Gilded Age Exhibition. Alongside this is Julie's main office which holds family portraits and important archival history.
Displayed in Alberta's Room, Walls in John's Pantry BH.24
Part of Mapperton Estate
Walls in Serpentine™No.192, Bookcase and Woodwork in Brompton Road™ No.205, Bookcase Shelves in Huguenot™ No.49, displayed in The Library
The Library: Alberta’s Legacy in Colour
One of the most meaningful rooms in the house is the Library, now home to an exhibition dedicated to Alberta, 9th Countess of Sandwich, whose story inspired much of Julie’s work. For this space, Julie selected John’s Pantry BH.24 from the Beata Heuman collection for the walls—a soft, nostalgic tone that brings gentle light and warmth to the room. Inside the built-in bookcases, she opted for Dulwich Red, a deep, velvety hue that perfectly complements the dark leather-bound books that line the shelves.
“That deep red really anchors the space—it’s rich and sophisticated and fits with the leather and aged book spines"- Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich
A Study of Heritage
In the Muniment Room, often called the Archive Room, Julie chose Serpentine™ No.192 for the walls, Brompton Road™ No.205 for the woodwork and a touch of red with Huguenot™ No.49 for inside the bookcases.
“This is where I delve into the hidden stories of the Sandwich family,” she explains. “I wanted the room to feel warm and enveloping. The cabinetry and bookcases are painted in Brompton Road, with a dramatic pop of Huguenot red lining the bookcases' interiors—Every time I walk in, I smile. It’s bold and deeply personal.” - Julie Montagu
THE FARMHOUSE
Nestled in 2,000 acres of breathtaking West Dorset countryside, Mapperton is a timeless haven of natural beauty and historic charm. Along with working on the preservation of the Jacobean house, Julie has led the transformation of several farm buildings and old cottages into beautiful luxury houses. These places provide the perfect retreat for relaxation in nature, and the chance to experience the extraordinary landscapes of this unique corner of England. For her latest renovation, the farmhouse, Julie has created a calming palette with touches of colours and wood finishes.
The front facing exterior of Mapperton's Farmhouse, located in West Dorset
Mapperton's Farmhouse was used as a filming location for the movie Emma, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, and Far from the Madding Crowd. The Farmhouse has undergone a complete restoration with Mylands shades and is now welcoming guests. Julie chose classic, calming off whites and neutrals such as Cadogan Stone™ No. 59 and Egyptian Grey™ No. 154 from the Colours of London Collection to ground the interiors, creating a base on which to layer bolder accents of colour.
Walls and Ceilings in Cadogan Stone™ No.59, Door and woodwork in Egyptian Grey™ No.154
Outer walls in Cadogan Stone™ No.59, Door & Woodwork in Egyptian Grey™ No.154, Bathroom walls in Uncle Maths BH.5 Bathtub in Thunder BH.12
Upper wall in Cadogan Stone™ No.59, Wall behind Wood Burner in Crayfish Party BH.19
A Project of Passion
“Every colour in the farmhouse is from Mylands,” she says proudly. “We used pieces I found in antique markets, layered with rich tones to give each room its own personality.”
The walls and woodwork are painted in Cadogan Stone ™ No.59 and Egyptian Grey™ No.154, giving a timeless softness. In the dining room, the fireplace glows in Beata Heuman’s Crayfish Party BH.19, while upstairs, one of the four master bedrooms features a bold green Caca D’Oie BH.15 around the fireplace—“a splash of colour that just makes the room sing.”
The corridors are painted in Thunder BH.12 and Overall BH.10, part of the Beata Heuman Collection, and the bathrooms in Lamb’s Ear BH.06 and Uncle Maths BH.05. Even the sitting room coffee table has been lovingly restored with Messel™ No.39, adding unexpected charm to reclaimed furniture.
Julie’s favourite part? The timber floors, uncovered during renovation, stained in Mylands’ Washed Umber. “It brings out the soul of the farmhouse. It looks like it’s always been there.”
Favourite Colour? Cadogan Stone™ No.59. When asked her go-to hue for heritage buildings, Julie doesn’t hesitate: "It’s classic, neutral, but not boring. It’s my baseline for layering colour.”
Walls and Ceilings in Cadogan Stone™ No.59, Fireplace in Caca D'Oie BH.15, Floor stained in Earth Stain Washed Umber
Walls and Ceilings in Cadogan Stone™ No.59, Door and Woodwork in Egyptain Grey™ No.154
Left Pannel in Thunder BH.12, Stair Bannisters in Overall BH.10, Back Walls in Cadogan Stone™ No.59, Door in Egyptian Grey™ No.154
Julie's Advice on Renovation
For anyone taking on a historic home or even a single room with character, Julie recommends mixing tradition with daring touches. “Try pairing a calming neutral like Cadogan Stone™ No.59 with a bold accent—maybe something unexpected like Huguenot™ No.49 or Soho Pink™ No.266 for that twist.” And when it comes to design inspiration, she loves the Beata Heuman collection.
“For me, it’s not about preserving the house in amber. It’s about breathing life into it. Making it a living, welcoming place. Every time I walk in, I smile. It’s bold and deeply personal.”- Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich
Today, Mapperton is more than just a historic treasure—it’s a living, evolving home that bridges generations. Through her vision, the Countess has transformed Mapperton into a place where the past and present meet in colour, character, and community. Julie represents a new kind of custodian—one who brings heritage into the future with authenticity, digital savvy, and an eye for timeless design.
And as Mapperton evolves, it does so in colour – subscribe to our newsletter to follow the Mapperton renovation.
Outside Mapperton Estate, Gates to the front of the house, Statue of Family Crest Animal, The Eagal
Front Entrance to The Farm House
The Mapperton Estate, looking towards the gates
Marble Matt emulsion: the perfect paint finish for historic houses
Historic buildings often present renovation challenges, especially with worn or uneven woodwork and aged walls requiring breathability. Mylands' Marble Matt Emulsion played a key role; its high breathability makes it especially suitable for historic properties with lime plaster or original walls, allowing moisture to escape and preventing damage over time. Its Plant-Based Multi-Surface paint range also provided a convenient solution, offering excellent adhesion and a smooth finish that enhances the different surfaces. Highly pigmented, Mylands’ paints allow for vibrant colour without compromising the natural texture of original features, a perfect fit for heritage properties such as Mapperton.
VISIT MAPPERTON ESTATE THIS SUMMER
A perfect getaway for the weekend, Mapperton estate welcomes you from 30 March until 30 September 2025, Monday to Thursday, 10am to 5pm, Sundays 11am to 4pm. With special events and tours available.
Address: Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
Mapperton's Website: https://mapperton.com/visit/visitor-information/
