Is Dillington House on the brink of renewal or ruin?
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
The future of Dillington House, one of Ilminster’s most historically significant properties, remains unclear as Somerset Council continues to negotiate the financial details of returning the site to its private owner.
The Grade II listed building, formerly used as a popular wedding and conference venue, was officially closed in September 2023 following a period of sustained financial losses during its operation by the former Somerset County Council.
A Freedom of Information request, submitted to the council by a third party and delayed by more than four months, confirmed that the total cost of ending the lease is “not yet known” due to ongoing negotiations with the freeholder, Lord Cameron, regarding potential dilapidation charges.
While the final figures remain uncertain, the council has confirmed it currently holds £24,120, with the income from asset sales exceeding the costs involved in vacating the site. Over 900 bidders participated in an auction of Dillington’s furnishings and contents in 2023, which generated in excess of £100,000.
According to the FOI response, the site incurred costs totalling £1,980,657 between 2013 and its closure. In addition, staff redundancies related to the closure amounted to £205,884. The legal costs associated with invoking the lease break clause - first signed in 1966 - came to £6,774.
Despite the council’s withdrawal, plans to bring Dillington House back into active use are underway. The estate’s owner has submitted proposals to convert the main house into a small hotel and wedding venue, with a longer-term ambition to construct a new 180-capacity event space within the grounds.
Restoration of the house would involve the removal of later additions such as the bar, improvements to French windows in the dining room, and widened access to the gardens. Interior alterations would also include opening up space between the library and lounge to accommodate up to 90 seated guests for ceremonies.
Although the gardens and building have remained untended since last year’s closure, there is hope among residents that the estate will once again become a valued part of the local community.
For now, though, the cost of closing the book on Somerset Council’s tenure at Dillington House remains open.
( Photo: Dillington House Estate 📸 )