Stourhead House & Gardens

Introduction

Nestled in the southwest of Wiltshire and extending into Somerset, Stourhead is a magnificent 1,072-hectare estate centred around a Grade I listed 18th-century Neo-Palladian mansion and its world-famous landscape gardens. The estate was purchased by the Hoare banking family in 1717, with the original manor house demolished and replaced by a new house designed by Colen Campbell and built between 1721 and 1725. The gardens, laid out between 1741 and 1780 by Henry Hoare II (nicknamed 'Henry the Magnificent'), are considered a masterpiece of the English landscape garden style and were once described as 'a living work of art'. The centrepiece is an artificially created lake, around which visitors can follow a path to discover various classical temples, a grotto, and the five-arched Palladian Bridge, all set amongst magnificent plantings of trees and shrubs from around the world, including spectacular rhododendrons. Since 1946, Stourhead has been part-owned by the National Trust, which preserves both the house with its collection of art and furniture, and the gardens that have captivated visitors for centuries.

Interesting Facts about Stourhead House and Gardens

• Stourhead House was originally built between 1721 and 1724, destroyed by fire, and later rebuilt in 1906.
• The gardens were designed by Henry Hoare II and laid out between 1741 and 1780, inspired by classical art and Italian landscapes.
• The centrepiece of the gardens is a man-made lake created by damming a stream and flooding a valley.
• Stourhead Gardens feature numerous architectural highlights, including temples to Apollo and Flora, a Romanesque Pantheon, and grottos.
• King Alfred’s Tower, a 49-metre-tall brick folly built in 1772, commemorates the end of the Seven Years' War.
• The Palladian Bridge at Stourhead is purely ornamental, designed to create picturesque views across the estate.
• The Temple of Flora was the first garden building added at Stourhead in 1744, dedicated to the Roman goddess of flowers and spring.
• Stourhead’s grotto provides a cool retreat in summer and houses statues of a river god and a sleeping nymph beside a natural spring.
• The gardens were described as ‘a living work of art’ due to their harmonious blend of nature and architecture.
• Stourhead Estate spans over 2,650 acres, including chalk downs, ancient woods, Iron Age hillforts, and farmland.

History

The domain's history starts with Henry Hoare, son of the founder of the Hoare and Company, the only private bank still in existence in Britain. He demolished the existing manor house and commissioned the construction of a new Palladian-style villa, designed by architect Colen Campbell and built by Nathaniel Ireson between 1721 and 1725. The house was christened Stourhead, replacing the previous Stourton Manor.

Following Henry Hoare I's death in 1725, his son Henry Hoare II, known as 'Henry the Magnificent', took over the estate. He was responsible for furnishing Stourhead House with an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, many of which can still be seen today. However, Henry II's most significant contribution was the creation of Stourhead's iconic landscape garden. Between 1741 and 1780, he designed and laid out the gardens in a classical 18th-century style, centred around a large lake formed by damming a small stream. The garden's design was inspired by the paintings of Claude Lorrain, Poussin, and Gaspard Dughet, featuring various temples and monuments that evoke scenes from the Grand Tour of Europe.

Over the centuries, subsequent generations of the Hoare family continued to enhance and expand the estate. Sir Richard Hoare, 2nd Baronet, added the library wing to the mansion and made several changes to the garden in the late 18th century. In 1902, a devastating fire gutted the house, but many heirlooms were saved, and it was rebuilt in a nearly identical style. The last Hoare family member to own the property, Sir Henry Hugh Arthur Hoare, gifted the house and gardens to the National Trust in 1946. Today, Stourhead is recognised as one of the finest examples of the English landscape garden style, with its Grade I listed house and gardens attracting visitors from around the world.

Description

Stourhead House

Stourhead House is a magnificent Neo-Palladian mansion nestled in the picturesque countryside of Wiltshire. This grand estate boasts a stunning exterior that exemplifies the elegance of 18th-century architecture. As you approach the house, you'll be struck by its imposing façade and symmetrical design, with its Portland stone exterior gleaming in the sunlight and its central pediment creating a sense of classical grandeur.

Inside, visitors can explore a variety of beautifully appointed rooms, each offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Hoare family. The Regency library is a particular highlight, showcasing an impressive collection of books and exquisite Chippendale furniture. The ornate plasterwork ceiling and rich mahogany bookcases create an atmosphere of refined scholarship. The Saloon, with its crimson damask wall coverings and fine portraits, serves as the heart of the house, while the Picture Gallery displays an impressive collection of Italian paintings and family portraits.

Other notable rooms include the Cabinet Room, housing a collection of family miniatures and objets d'art, and the elegant Dining Room with its impressive mahogany table and set of Chippendale chairs. The State Bedroom features a magnificent four-poster bed with original 18th-century hangings, whilst the Chinese Bedroom showcases exquisite Oriental-inspired wallpaper and furnishings that reflect the 18th-century fascination with the Far East.

The Landscape Gardens

The true jewel of Stourhead is its world-renowned landscape garden, often described as a 'living work of art'. At the heart of this masterpiece lies a tranquil lake, created by damming a small stream. As you stroll along the winding paths that encircle the water, you'll be treated to a series of breathtaking vistas and carefully crafted scenes that unfold like paintings before your eyes.

The garden was designed to evoke the classical landscapes of Claude Lorrain and Nicolas Poussin, with each turn in the path revealing a new and captivating view. The reflections of the classical buildings in the still waters of the lake create a magical, almost ethereal quality that changes with the light and seasons. The garden exemplifies the English landscape style, moving away from formal geometric patterns towards a more naturalistic approach that celebrates the beauty of nature whilst subtly enhancing it.

Classical Temples and Follies

Dotted throughout the gardens are several classical-style buildings and follies that add to the romantic atmosphere:

• The Temple of Flora: Dedicated to the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, this charming structure greets visitors near the beginning of their journey. Inside, a marble relief depicts the goddess, whilst Latin inscriptions celebrate the joys of rural life. The temple's portico offers a sheltered spot to admire views across the lake.
• The Pantheon: Inspired by its namesake in Rome, this impressive building houses statues of classical deities, including a marble Hercules. The domed ceiling and circular design create a sense of perfect harmony, whilst the portico with its massive columns provides a dramatic focal point when viewed from across the lake.
• The Temple of Apollo: Perched atop a hill, this temple offers one of the most picturesque views in the garden, overlooking the lake and surrounding landscape. Dedicated to the god of music and poetry, its elevated position symbolises Apollo's celestial nature. The climb to reach it is rewarded with panoramic vistas that are particularly spectacular at sunset.
• The Grotto: A cool retreat on warm days, this mysterious cave-like structure adds an element of intrigue to the garden. Inside, water trickles over stone and moss, creating a contemplative atmosphere. The central chamber features a reclining nymph statue, whilst inscriptions from Alexander Pope's poetry adorn the walls, inviting visitors to reflect on the relationship between nature and art.
• The Palladian Bridge: This elegant five-arched stone bridge is a focal point of the garden, offering lovely reflections in the still waters of the lake. Modelled after Palladio's designs and similar to the bridge at Prior Park in Bath, it serves both as a practical crossing and an architectural feature that frames views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
• The Gothic Cottage: This whimsical structure represents the 18th-century fascination with medieval architecture. Its pointed arches and decorative details provide a striking contrast to the classical buildings elsewhere in the garden.
• The Bristol Cross: Originally standing in Bristol, this medieval market cross was relocated to Stourhead in the 18th century. Its ornate Gothic design and historical significance add another layer of interest to the garden landscape.

Flora and Fauna

Stourhead's gardens are a horticultural delight throughout the year. In spring, the grounds come alive with the vibrant colours of rhododendrons and azaleas, creating a spectacular display of pinks, purples, and whites that reflect beautifully in the lake. The Tulip Tree and magnolias burst into bloom, whilst carpets of bluebells transform the woodland floor into a sea of azure.

Summer brings lush greenery and beautiful blooms, with the rose garden near the house filling the air with its heady perfume. The herbaceous borders showcase a riot of colour, with delphiniums, lupins, and peonies creating a quintessentially English garden scene. The giant gunnera by the lakeside unfurls its massive leaves, creating prehistoric-looking sculptures that children particularly delight in.

Autumn transforms the landscape into a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds. The Japanese maples and sweet gum trees provide some of the most vibrant colours, whilst the ancient oaks and beeches turn to warm amber and bronze. This season is perhaps Stourhead's most photogenic, as the fiery colours of the foliage are doubled in the mirror-like surface of the lake.

Winter brings its own stark beauty, with the architectural forms of the trees revealed against the sky and frost highlighting the intricate patterns of bark and branch. On misty mornings, the temples emerge ghostlike from the fog, creating an atmosphere of mysterious romance.

The gardens are home to an impressive variety of trees, including beech, oak, sycamore, and Spanish chestnut. Keep an eye out for the magnificent Rhododendron arboreum near the Ice House, and don't miss the pelargonium collection in the Lower Walled Garden. The Pinetum area showcases a collection of rare conifers, including towering sequoias and unusual monkey puzzle trees.

Wildlife abounds throughout the estate. Kingfishers flash electric blue along the lake edge, whilst herons stand in statuesque stillness waiting for fish. The woodland areas are home to roe deer, badgers, and a variety of songbirds. In spring, ducklings and cygnets can be spotted following their parents across the lake, creating picture-perfect scenes of natural charm.

The Walled Garden and Productive Areas

Beyond the ornamental landscape garden lies the productive Walled Garden, a traditional feature of great British estates. Here, espaliered fruit trees line the sun-warmed brick walls, whilst neat rows of vegetables demonstrate traditional growing techniques. The Victorian glasshouses shelter tender plants and exotic specimens, including citrus trees and grapevines.

The cutting garden provides seasonal blooms for floral displays in the house, with dahlias, sweet peas, and chrysanthemums grown in abundance. An apple orchard showcases heritage varieties, many of which have been grown at Stourhead for centuries. In autumn, the fruit is harvested and some is pressed into delicious apple juice available in the estate shop.

Beyond the Gardens

For those seeking to explore further, Stourhead estate encompasses 2,650 acres of diverse countryside. Visitors can venture into ancient woodlands, climb to Iron Age hillforts, or ramble across chalk downs and farmland. The Six Wells Bottom valley offers a tranquil walk through native woodland, where wild garlic carpets the ground in spring and woodpeckers can be heard drumming on old trees.

For a truly spectacular view, make your way to King Alfred's Tower, a 50-metre-tall brick folly that offers panoramic vistas across three counties. This triangular tower marks the spot where Alfred the Great is said to have rallied his troops before a crucial battle against the Danes. The spiral staircase of 205 steps is worth the climb for the breathtaking views from the top.

The estate also includes Stourton village, with its medieval church and picturesque stone cottages. The 14th-century packhorse bridge spans the River Stour at its source, giving the estate its name. Several marked walking trails of varying lengths allow visitors to explore the wider estate, taking in ancient woodland, farmland, and archaeological features.

Getting There

Stourhead House and Gardens, located near the village of Mere in Wiltshire, is easily accessible by car. Visitors should use the postcode BA12 6QD for their sat-nav and follow the brown signs off the A303 or the B3092 from Frome. The estate features ample parking for guests. Those relying on public transport may find the journey more challenging, as the rural location is not directly served by trains or buses. It's advisable to check local bus services that may stop in nearby towns and plan accordingly. Once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with the breathtaking 18th-century landscape garden and Palladian mansion that make Stourhead a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Best Time to Visit

Visiting Stourhead House and Gardens is a delightful experience throughout the year, as each season offers unique attractions. Spring is particularly enchanting, with the gardens in full bloom and vibrant colours, making it an ideal time to witness the English Arcadian landscape at its best. Summer brings warm weather and an abundance of flowers, while autumn is renowned for its stunning foliage and changing colours. Even in winter, Stourhead's serene atmosphere and misty mornings create a magical backdrop for a peaceful stroll. The house typically opens from March to November, although some rooms may be decorated for Christmas in December. It's advisable to check the official website for specific opening times and events to plan your visit accordingly.