Do you love a day out to an old country estate?
I do. I love all the grandeur and a glimpse at how the other half lived. You get a real sense of that at the National Trust owned Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire.
Once home to the Hoare family who made their fortune in banking, Stourhead is world famous for its landscape gardens. Easy to see why the gardens were once described as ‘ a living work of art’.
Every generation of the Hoare family made their own mark on the gardens but it was Henry Hoare II, also known as ‘Henry The Magnificent’ who started it all. Old Henry belonged to a trendy bunch known as ‘gentleman gardeners’ who created beautiful gardens on their estates.
The gardens came into being at an exciting time in the horticultural world. Wealthy folk were taking ‘Grand Tours of Europe’ and returning inspired. Plant collectors were travelling across the globe and discovering new possibilities.
The main focal point of Stourhead’s garden is the lake. Walking the path around it is a lovely way to enjoy the views, features and follies. The lake looks like it’s been there forever but it was created by damming a stream and flooding a small valley. The result is beautiful and sets the scene for something else that isn’t quite as it seems…
The Palladian Bridge
The five arch Palladian bridge is a clever landscaping illusion. From a distance it looks functional, but it’s completely ornamental. Designed to create the impression that water flows under it, the bridge draws the eye to a flowing view rather than cutting the vista at the lakeside. Clever stuff.
The Temple of Flora
Just before the Palladian Bridge to Nowhere is the Temple of Flora, dedicated to the Roman goddess of flowers and Spring. The columns and carvings of the exterior are eye catching and the Latin inscription above the door apparently translates as, ‘Keep away, anyone profane, keep away,’
Sadly the temple was closed on the day of our visit so after viewing the exterior and enjoying pretty views across the lake we carried on walking.
The Temple of Apollo
Added to the garden in the 1700’s, the circular Temple of Apollo gardens in t is a quirky creation of statues and columns. The hillside location affords stunning views across the lake, easy to see why this is a popular choice for weddings and civil ceremonies.
If the temple looks familiar, you might have spotted it on the big screen. This is where Mr Darcy makes his first proposal to Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice.
The Pantheon
I don’t know which Hoare came up with this one, but the brief must have been something like, ‘keep the temple theme, but go big or go home’.
The Pantheon. Built in the mid 1700’s as a place to entertain, it was often used for picnics and supper parties. I suspect it was also built to impress and its still ticking that box.
The exterior is impressive, but what lies within is genuinely jaw dropping. There are statues, marble, wrought iron gates and the elaborate dome ceiling topped with stained glass.
A bit bonkers, but brilliantly so.
The Gothic Cottage
My favourite find of the day. A tiny cottage, straight out of a fairytale.
Originally built as a simple dwelling, records show that the cottage was once home to two women who were described in the 1841 census as servants. By 1851, the occupants were listed as almswomen, suggesting their tenancy was an act of charity.
By the 19th century garden inspiration had gone to the Gothic and medieval. Sir Richard Colt Hoare, grandson of Henry the Magnificent, gave the cottage a makeover.
A porch here, a fancy window there, an outdoor bench and make it medieval. Et voila; one Gothic garden feature of a cottage.
Just look at the interior; the flagged floor, that beautiful fireplace and the beams overhead. Wouldn’t this be a magical place to spend a night?
Getting to Stourhead & Admission
The easiest way to get here is to drive, the main carpark postcode is BA12 6QD.
Admission is free to National Trust members. Standard adult tickets are £20, with child tickets and family options available.
I’d always advise checking the National Trust Stourhead website before planning a visit as admission prices and opening times can vary.
If you like this post, you might also enjoy reading about Mompesson House gardens in Salisbury
Helen x
Fabulous spot! I bought my late parents membership of National Trust to they could enjoy places like this in their retirement.
National Trust membership makes a lovely gift, I think Stourhead is one of the most beautiful properties I’ve seen so far.
It looks lovely in your photos
What a beautiful property and interesting that it was continued to be added on to over generations. Maggie
It is a beautiful place, and now open to all to enjoy. The idea gardens of this scale were ever just for one family is quite something!
Have you been to Castle Howard, in Yorkshire, Helen? There is a remarkable similarity in that lake and 5 arch bridge. The gardens there are the work of Capability Brown, who had his finger in lots of pies. Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is one of his too, and stunning. They are especially lovely at Christmas time.
I haven’t been to either of those but I’d love to. I think the bridges were a bit of a trend and I can see why.
They are beautiful 🤗🩵
Wow, this is beautiful Helen. So much to love. Thank you for sharing. The bridge caught my eye in the very first photo, but I really loved the windows in the cottage.
Stourhead is so beautiful and your photos are gorgeous 🙂
Thank you, it is a beautiful place. Lots of garden inspiration!
This has been on my Must Visit agenda for years. As a NT volunteer, you’d think I might have made more effort. Perhaps this post will kick me in the right direction.
It’s worth the effort, my pictures don’t really do the place justice. I just need to squeeze in another visit to see inside the house.
As a child I was dragged round yawning massively; then I went with my then girlfriend now wife after we bought a car and did a NT tour of the west country. Told mum and dad how marvellous it was. I think it was then mum shared Mark Twain’s quote about parents!!: it I’d fabby!!
The Gardens of Stourhead look just as impressive during your winter visit as when we were there mid-summer. Even if we only get to a few NT properties each year I feel that our membership is worthwhile and a good investment.
I think Stourhead in any season is a good idea, I’d love to see the garden bursting into all the summer colours. And I agree, the NT membership is so worthwhile 😊
It’s decades since I was at Stourhead but I remember that bridge of course! Thanks for taking me back, virtually 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed a virtual visit ☺️
Stourhead looks absolutely spectacular and a fabulous day out. I recently renewed my NT membership and think I need to pay it a visit.
The membership is great?, isn’t it? I’d been meaning to get to Stourhead for ages and it did not disappoint. Hope you make it soon!
I’ve never been, but I feel I have because of that iconic view with the lake and Pantheon.
What an incredible estate. The Apollo palace is splendid.
A beautiful estate. Back in the day, the “other half” certainly had some nice accommodations. 🙂 Enjoyed this tour of these fabulous grounds.
So beautiful. I totally enjoy old buildings and lot of nature. I do visit estates and castles when I can.
Thank you for taking an interest in my Stourhead post, it is a beautiful place. The scale of these old homes and gardens never fails to amaze me!