STOKE ST MARY AND DISTRICT HISTORY GROUP

BRYANSTAN

Built by the the 2nd Lord Portman. Modelled on the chateau at Menars in the Loire valley, the Norman Shaw-designed house – the biggest in Dorset and the last of the grand stately homes to be built in England – had been occupied by the Portman family for just 30 years at the time of its sale, death duties making it impossible for Lord Portman to hold on to his family estate.

Menars Chateau

Stables

Entrance Gate