Hestercombe Gardens

About the garden

Hestercombe’s famously restored gardens span three centuries of garden design. Sir Edwin Lutyens’ hallmarks are everywhere: iris-choked rills, pergolas, seats, relieved staircases and pools where reflections twinkle on recessed apses. Gertrude Jekyll’s planting is bold and simple, which adds vigour. As a result of this combination, Hestercombe is a highly rewarding garden to learn about symmetry, balance and proportion.

The secret landscape garden, laid out by Coplestone Warre Bampfylde in the late 18th century, is a fine match for the Edwardian area: 40 acres of lakes, temples, combes and woodlands that lay undiscovered for more than 100 years. Add to this Arcadia the centrepiece of Hestercombe House and you will see a reunited estate. Hestercombe House offers a contemporary art gallery and a second-hand bookshop.