Somerset Manor

Somerset Manor stands as a remarkable example of English medieval architecture, crafted by the esteemed architect Jeremy Rawlings of Period Homes, known for his expertise in traditional designs. Over six years, Rawlings meticulously oversaw every facet of the manor's construction, from the intricate design of stone features to the overall building process, ensuring that historical accuracy and architectural integrity were maintained. The Manor's owners, Henri and June played an active role in shaping the manor's exterior and interior, contributing to its authentic character. 

Over a span of 35 years, a once modest farmland has been transformed into a picturesque estate, complete with a serene lake, enchanting islands, and a landscape that echoes the tranquility of European gardens. 

Somerset Estate exemplifies the virtues of patience, skilled craftsmanship, and genuine European design, positioning it as a historic landmark that will be cherished and preserved for future generations.

What began as a modest 105-acre tract of farmland—once planted in corn and dotted with oak woods, wetlands, and a shallow two-acre pond—has been reshaped over 35 years into a sweeping pastoral masterpiece. Henri designed, supervised, and participated in the construction of the entire landscape, drawing inspiration from his memories of the outdoors in his native Ticino, Switzerland, where he spent much of his time immersed in nature.

At the heart of the estate lies a 17-acre lake punctuated by ten islands, complemented by multiple ponds, a winding stream, a terraced hill, and a serene Oriental-style garden. More than 25,000 trees were planted during this extensive transformation, creating a mature, park-like setting that feels timeless.

The monumental earthwork was carried out by Sprinkle Excavating Company over a 

15-year period. Using dragline excavators, scrapers, bulldozers, and backhoes, they sculpted the lake and its ten islands, later planted with Bald Cypress trees. Material excavated from the lake was transported by dump trucks and scrapers to form a three-acre terraced hill, envisioned as a future vineyard.

This ambitious reshaping of the land was not merely construction—it was landscape artistry on a grand scale.

James Wiley and 3D Stones of Indiana constructed the manor over a two-year period, fabricating and installing all exterior limestone elements as well as select interior stone features.  The structure itself is formidable: 12-inch reinforced concrete block walls fully filled with concrete, six-inch insulated interior walls, bring the total wall thickness to nearly 24 inches, with poured concrete and spancrete floors—creating a building of remarkable permanence.

The manor’s oak-beamed ceilings were fabricated in England and installed by John Edmonds Company, an English firm known for its fine craftsmanship on prestigious residences, including Mick Jagger’s estate. The Great Room ceiling faithfully replicates the celebrated ceiling at Haddon Hall Castle in England.

Master French stone carver and artist Marc Deligny and his team—celebrated for their restoration work on France’s historic monuments—made multiple journeys to Harvard to install Somerset’s fireplaces and limestone flooring with the help of Guy Hernioux, a Parisian stone specialist. Eight carved limestone fireplaces, all exact replicas of famed French château originals, were hand-crafted by Deligny in France. The grand foyer staircase stands as a centerpiece, carved and assembled on site from raw limestone blocks shipped directly from France, requiring multiple transatlantic visits.

Further elevating the manor’s authenticity, Ateliers Perrault of France—specialists in heritage carpentry—crafted and installed nine traditional French doors with custom surrounds and produced all parquet French oak flooring. French craftsman Fabien Gilbert built custom doors and cabinetry in the estate’s atelier using American white oak 

The living room Indiana Limestone arches were fabricated and hand-carved by 3 D Stones of Indiana and installed by Deligny and Hernioux. They are a smaller-scale replica of the entry hall arches at Ashridge House in England.

The magnificent foyer bronze balustrade was designed by Rawlings and manufactured and installed by the local company, Kurt Neiween Industries.

British stained-glass artist, John Baker created in England and installed every leaded glass window 

Clay roof tiles imported from the French company Aleonard Heritage Roof Tiles were the perfect choice for the Manor, adding a touch of artisan character that beautifully complements its elegance. Installation was carried out under the guidance of a French master roof installer, working alongside local specialists Northern Roof Tiles to complete the project.