Kingston Maurward

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Kingston Maurward

Kingston Maurward is a large Georgian mansion set in a 750 acre (3 square km) estate in Dorset, England, situated in the Frome valley two miles east of Dorchester. The mansion was built by George Pitt, cousin of William Pitt the Elder, between 1717 and 1720. The mansion was originally in red brick, but after derogatory comments from King George III, Pitt clad the house in Portland limestone. Much of the house is now used as an agricultural college, though some of it is used for public events.

The grounds of Kingston Maurward, which are used for the agricultural college, are open to the public and include the farm areas and extensive gardens. Both the house and grounds are owned by Dorset County Council. Also in the grounds is Kingston Maurward Manor House, built in 1590, an earlier mansion which was narrowly saved from demolition when the estate was acquired. Following refurbishment it is now a hotel.