Hestercombe - History

Hestercombe is a historic landscape garden located in Somerset, England. Its history dates back several centuries, and it has evolved through various architectural and horticultural styles to become the magnificent garden it is today.

The earliest records of Hestercombe date back to the 12th century when it was owned by the Bishops of Winchester. The property changed hands several times over the centuries, eventually coming into the possession of the Warre family in the late 16th century. It was during their ownership that the first notable garden features were created.

In the 18th century, the Portman family acquired Hestercombe and began a significant transformation of the estate. Sir Charles Kemeys Tynte, who married into the Portman family, employed the renowned landscape designer Coplestone Warre Bampfylde to design a new landscape garden. Bampfylde's design included the creation of a series of terraces, ponds, and cascades, inspired by the classical Italian style. These features were constructed between 1750 and 1786, and they formed the basis of the garden's layout that can still be seen today.

The garden underwent another major transformation in the early 20th century when it came into the ownership of the dynamic duo, Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. Lutyens was an influential architect, and Jekyll was a celebrated garden designer. They worked together to create a series of stunning formal gardens at Hestercombe, blending architectural elements with intricate planting schemes. Lutyens designed the iconic Edwardian Formal Garden, which includes a pergola, a sundial, and beautiful stone walls, while Jekyll designed the planting schemes, incorporating vibrant colors and a mix of formal and informal styles.

Following the death of the last Portman resident in 1944, Hestercombe fell into a state of neglect. The gardens were abandoned, and nature began to reclaim the landscape. However, in 1973, the Hestercombe Gardens Trust was established with the aim of restoring and preserving the gardens for future generations.

Since then, extensive efforts have been made to restore Hestercombe to its former glory. The gardens were opened to the public in 1997, and a team of dedicated gardeners, historians, and volunteers have worked tirelessly to revive the original designs and features. Historic documents and photographs have been studied to guide the restoration process, and today, Hestercombe stands as a testament to the vision and skill of its past creators.

Visitors to Hestercombe can now explore the various garden styles spanning centuries, from the Georgian terraces to the Edwardian formal gardens. The estate also features a contemporary art gallery, showcasing a range of exhibitions and installations.

Hestercombe's rich history, combined with its stunning landscapes and architectural features, make it a cherished heritage site and a popular destination for garden enthusiasts, historians, and art lovers alike.