The History of Henlade House
Henlade House stands today as a beautifully preserved country residence, rich in character and layered with centuries of history. Its original fireplaces, delicate plaster coving, sash windows and staircase have survived with remarkable integrity. Among its rarest treasures are the 1870s decorative details including stencilled sunflower motifs and Lincrusta wall coverings, that contribute to the house’s exceptional heritage significance.
The Early History of Henlade Estate
The story of Henlade begins with the Anderdon family, who settled in the Bridgwater area in the 17th century. By the early 1700s, Dr. John Anderdon, a surgeon educated at Oxford, had established himself in the town and acquired significant property, including the former site of Bridgwater Castle.
Through his wife’s family, he also came into possession of land at Ruishton, the beginnings of what would become the Henlade estate. A house already stood here by 1791, home to his eldest son, Robert Proctor Anderdon. But the Henlade House we see today was created for Charles Proctor Anderdon, who inherited the estate in 1809 and began building the new residence once a tenancy ended in 1812.
Between 1812 and 1815, the present north-facing, five-bay, two-storey house took shape. Although reputedly designed by an Italian architect, little of that influence remains visible. Its elegant Ionic porch guides guests into an octagonal entrance hall, which leads to a grand staircase hall featuring a cantilevered stone staircase with iron balustrades and mahogany handrails.
Architecture, Evolution, and Celebration
In the early 1870s, fashionable Aesthetic Movement interiors transformed the entrance and staircase halls, elements of which still enchant visitors today. The same period saw the addition of the stables and red-brick gate lodges. Later, in the 1890s, a billiard room was added and the west front gained the graceful symmetry of its full-height bays.
Throughout the 20th century, further extensions shaped the southern side of the house. In the mid-1980s, Henlade House entered a new chapter when it was converted into a hotel and renamed to The Mount Somerset.
Now embarking on its next era as an events and wedding venue with luxury bedroom accommodation, Henlade House offers a timeless backdrop where centuries of craftsmanship, family legacy, and architectural beauty come together to create unforgettable celebrations.
