The House
Introduction
Halswell House is situated in the small parish of Goathurst, some 3 miles south-west of Bridgwater on the northern edge of the Quantocks. The house lies south–west of the village on rising ground and is approached by a long drive through a former ornamental park, now largely under cultivation. It is of courtyard plan and the principal William & Mary range, dating 1689, faces north with distant views of the Bristol Channel. The rear ranges of the house are a palimpsest of older fabric, some dated to the medieval period; the whole being listed Grade I. To the south lies an extensive stable court and related buildings. The history of the parkland and its ornamental buildings, which are survivals of a notable 18th century romantic landscape, are listed Grade II* on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
