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At Hestercombe Gardens in Cheddon Fitzpaine, Somerset are a unique group of stunning and extremely different gardens, which span more than three centuries of garden design. The majority of the gardens sit on the Quantock Hills and extensive views span right over the Vale of Taunton along with the Blackdown Hills in the distance. The three distinct gardens comprising of a total of 50 acres of formal gardens, lakes, cascades and woodland are the Georgian Landscape , Victorian Terrace and Formal Edwardian Gardens. The majority of the gardens were extremely neglected by the 1970’s, however, because of the national importance of Hestercombe's Gardens, several extensive restoration projects have been undertaken, as a result of of substantial funding from the Heritage Lottery and other awards. Having been closed to the public for 125 years, Hestercombe’s gates opened to visitors in 1997. 13 years later in 2010, the estates woodland barn and 17th century watermill were opened to the public, having been carefully restored to operate with a combination of historic and modern energy forms. This mill area is currently used for educational purposes and the equipment is used for cutting wood and processing apples and corn. Renovation work has included the restoration of an old turbine, which had originally been used to produce electricity for the estate. The turbine now works through hydropower, created by the huge water wheel, which had not previously moved for a whole century. The Dynamo house nearby, was used originally for the production of acetylene gas and thermalume, for powering gas lamps on the Estate. This building is home to a very unusual gas storage holder which is wonderfully ornate. Within the main Hestercombe House, historic features also represent three periods of design. As well as a wealth of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian original features, there is a 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. Major works are required on the main building. The County Council used Hestercombe House as the headquarters for the Somerset Fire Brigade for many years and this meant that many rooms in the main house were converted to offices. The building was subject to a very institutional makeover by the local council, but the benefit of this is that much of the\a great deal of this office facade will be stripped right back to uncover many original features that have been concealed and preserved. The main building is just one of numerous others of all shapes and sizes within the estate. Amongst many unique buildings are a gorgeous Orangery , designed by the well known architect of his time Sir Edward Lutyens and an unusual witch house. Hi, for more information visit Hestercombe Membership.
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