Deer Keeper's House

Deer Keeper’s House overlooks the sprawling grounds and Longleat’s wildlife-rich woodland inhabited by a diverse range of species, including red deer and roe deer, the only truly native species of the British Isles, and the white-spotted fallow deer.

After a day of family fun, retreat to Deer Keeper’s House and enjoy a luxurious overnight stay, the perfect rural escape.

The Grade II listed Deer Keeper’s House was built in 1775 by Thomas Davis, the assistant to Longleat’s Steward. Because Davis paid for the building’s construction himself, his yearly rent for the land was only two shillings (roughly equivalent to the daily wage of a skilled tradesman). 

In 1777 Davis became Steward to the 3rd Viscount Weymouth (later 1st Marquess of Bath). This key role involved managing the Estate and family affairs and came with its own accommodation elsewhere on the Estate. Davis, who became a noted agriculturalist, served as Steward to the 1st and 2nd Marquesses until his death in 1807. 

After 1801 Deer Keeper’s House – or Gunville as it was then known –  was home to a series of Longleat gamekeepers. By the Second World War, Head Keeper Bill Bucket was the tenant. He served in the Longleat Auxiliary Unit, set up to resist a potential German invasion, and equipment and ammunition was stored at the property. 

From the 1950s the house was let out to private tenants. When plans for the opening of the safari park (originally called ‘The Lions of Longleat’) became public in 1965, the then tenant, a Labour MP, urgently requested the installation of a telephone line in case the animals escaped. His request was promptly granted, but his fears proved unfounded. 

To find out more about booking your stay, contact the team via  Longleat Help Centre or call our team on +44 (0) 19 8584 4400.