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There are three different styles found in the gardens at Hestercombe representing over 300 years of garden design. The majority of the gardens sit on the southern slopes of the Quantock Hills and extensive views span across the Vale of Taunton and the Blackdown Hills beyond. The three main gardens at Hestercombe, comprising of 50 acres of formal gardens, lakes and woodland areas are the Georgian Landscape , Victorian Terrace and Formal Edwardian Gardens. A great deal of the gardens had been neglected for a number of years, and by the 1970's they required extensive restoration, which was carried out with assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund. In 1997, the gardens were reopened to members of the public, after being closed for 125 years and now welcome more than 70,000 visitors yearly. The woodland barn and 17th century watermill at Hestercombe were officially reopened to the public in 2010 after they were painstakingly restored through a combination of both historic and modern energy forms. A show of demonstrations are conducted in this area during educational visits. Renovation work has included the restoration of a turbine, which had originally been used to produce electricity for the estate. Hydropower is now used to generate green energy at the mill, thanks to the original turbine and water wheel. Many years ago, thermalume and acetylene were produced in the Dynamo house. The Dynamo house houses a very rare and unusual gas storage holder which is very ornate. The main building on the estate at Hestercombe is the grand Hestercombe House, which has a range of remarkable historic features which mirror the exact same periods as the gardens over the identical three centuries of history. In addition to a wealth of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian features, there is an original medieval archway. The Hestercombe Garden Trust are in the process of applying to the Heritage Lottery fund for assistance so that the main house can also be fully restored. The property is in need of major restoration work, including a new roof. A number of the main rooms at Hestercombe House were converted converted for office use and used as the main headquarters for the Fire Brigade for a number of years. Many of the original features have been concealed behind the institutional looking office facade and these can now be revealed to be enjoyed again. Along with the main property there are a variety of outbuildings all over the estate. Amongst the gardens are a wide range of interesting feature buildings which include an outstanding Orangery, which was designed by the famous architect Sir Edward Lutenist and numerous others including a unique ‘witch house’ and various smaller structures where visitors can sit and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Hi, for more information visit www.evergreenhedging.co.uk.
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