The north terrace, retaining wall and central steps, to Montacute House

The north terrace, retaining wall, and central steps at Montacute House date from the 16th century, with modifications made in the 19th century. Constructed from Ham stone ashlar, the terrace is situated between the house and a sunken garden. The retaining wall, located about 7 meters north of the house, is approximately 80 meters long and features a very deep plinth on the north side. It has solid low walls with moulded copings and square piers at intervals, which support a variety of urn and vase finials. The largest of these finials flank the central staircase, which consists of nine steps leading down into the garden. The staircase is flanked by solid side walls that end with piers topped with vase finials. Matching lengths of walling can be found at the east end of the terrace and at the north end of the north garden, where obelisk finials are also present.