Viscountess Hinchingbrooke works with Mylands to reinvigorate Mapperton House

Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke and Countess of Sandwich has led a bold restoration of Mapperton House, the Jacobean manor in West Dorset long recognised for its unique architectural and cultural significance. ‘For me, it’s not about preserving the house in amber. It’s about breathing life into it. Making it a living, welcoming place,’ says Julie.

Julie has gained a large following via her YouTube channel American Viscountess where she shares behind-the-scenes stories on life at Mapperton, including the challenges and triumphs of restoring and living on an historic estate.

While researching heritage-quality paints with contemporary flair as part of her restoration journey, Julie discovered Mylands. ‘I was instantly drawn to Mylands’ story. It’s family-run, deeply British, and utterly uncompromising in quality,’ she says. It was these qualities which convinced Julie that Mylands would be the perfect fit for bringing new life to Mapperton.

Julie chose a palette of timeless hues from Mylands’ varied collections that would introduce depth and elegance to the interiors, bringing the past and present together. Cadogan Stone No.59, a soft neutral, was a shade she returned to time and time again. Throughout the interiors, it functions as a grounding colour onto which stronger hues have been layered.

Working with such an historic building came with its own challenges, such as worn or uneven woodwork and aged walls that required breathability. As such, Mylands’ Marble Matt Emulsion, which has high breathability, and Plant-Based Multi-Surface range, which offers excellent adhesion and a smooth finish across different surfaces, were optimum choices.

Alongside her renovation of the main house, Julie also brought new life to the wider Mapperton estate. This included The Farmhouse, a standalone four-bedroom property which once featured in the movie Emma starring Gwyneth Paltrow.

Similar to the main house, Julie chose several off-white and neutral tones, including her favoured Cadogan Stone No.59, to create a calming foundation on which to layer bolder accents of colour.

When original timber floors were revealed, Mylands’ Washed Umber wood stain was employed to enhance the depth and natural grain of the boards, which has helped to ‘bring out the soul of the farmhouse,’ says Julie. Having undergone a complete transformation, The Farmhouse is now ready to welcome guests.

‘We’re proud to be part of Mapperton’s journey. Our paints are designed to work in harmony with historic homes, preserving their legacy while allowing for bold, beautiful design,’ says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands, as Julie adds: ‘Every time I walk in, I smile. It’s bold and deeply personal.’