East patio, with steps and columns, to Montacute House

The east patio at Montacute House, dating from the 16th century, features steps and decorative columns. The patio is paved with Keinton stone slabs and measures about 4 metres deep, matching the projection of the end bays. It has six plain steps leading down to the forecourt, flanked by Ham stone balustrades that include a plinth, turned stone balusters, and moulded coping. These balustrades are terminated with square piers topped by Tuscan stone columns that stand about 5 metres tall. Additionally, there are four more columns on bases, evenly spaced along the steps; their original purpose is unclear, but they currently support electric lanterns. This patio was an original feature of the house and was highly regarded by Thomas Corvate, who believed it surpassed St. Mark's piazza in Venice.