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Begun in the early 18th century as the seat of the Worsley family , Appuldurcombe was once the grandest house on the Isle of Wight. A later owner, Sir Richard Worsley, the 7th baronet, gained notoriety for a 1782 court case in which his wife, Seymour, admitted to having had 27 lovers. Appuldurcombe was a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, and though now a graceful shell, still retains more than a ghost of its former dignity, and many fine architectural details. The celebrated landscape designe 'Capability' Brown enhanced the rolling grounds in the 1780s. Read more about the Worsley scandal. BEFORE YOU GO Access: There is a dirt path throughout the site, the majority o f which is suitable fo r wheelchairs and buggies. Opening Times: The site is open 10am-4pm, Sunday to Friday, from April until October. The house is closed from October until April. View details. Parking: There is a car park onsite. Please note: There are no public toilets available to visitors to the house . The nearest pubic toilets are in Godshill. PLAN A GREAT DAY OUT Explore the history of the island further by visiting other sites in the area. Set on a hill, Carisbrooke Castle has a colourful history to explore . Enjoy panoramic views from the castle keep , rest in the beautiful Edwardian style garden or visit the donkeys and hear their story. Don't forget to stop at the tearoom and browse the gift shop. On the coast, Osborne offers lavish state rooms, intimate royal apartments, an exclusive beach and the Swiss Cottage where Queen Victoria's children played. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds, or lunch in the café or Terrace Restaurant. Or why not try Yarmouth Castle - built to protect Yarmouth Harbour and th e western end of the Solent against invasion fleets. Inside you can discover recreations of how rooms were used in the 16th century. Enjoy a picnic with views over the Solent and browse the gift shop. |