For many years, Hestercombe has been one of those “must go there one day” destinations. You know the kind of places: you drive by the signpost fairly regularly but have always got somewhere else you must reach and so it’s another “next time” moment. Well, a couple of weeks ago, my family and I thought it was time to put the matter right.
Hestercombe is situated just outside Taunton, Somerset’s county town, and comprises 50 acres of gardens, woodland and, of course, the 13th century house which retains evidence of its 700-year-old history.
The property was used as a family home until 1951. Two years later, it was transformed into the HQ for Somerset Fire Brigade. They remained at Hestercombe for 60 years. Since their departure, the property has lain empty, although today a few rooms are occupied by a gift shop, secondhand bookshop, art gallery and temporary art exhibitions. Hestercombe Trust took ownership of this attractive site in 2013 and have added a restaurant, café and plant centre.
Despite the relative emptiness of the property, it’s still interesting wandering around a house which hasn’t opened its doors to the public for over 750 years. But the highlight of the visit for us was the garden – or, rather, gardens – particularly the Edwardian formal garden. It wasn’t so much the floral variety on display but the landscaping and overall design which appealed the most.
Designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1908, it’s a highly respected garden. The Orangery typifies Lutyens’ classical style while the Great Plat reflects their combined styles: Jekyll’s planting scheme softening the hard lines of Lutyens’ architecture.
The Georgian Landscape Garden, meanwhile, the creation of Coplestone Warre Bampfylde in the 1750s is, apparently, inspired by classical views of Italy. This expansive area contains, among others, temples, lakes and waterfalls. The garden’s highest point is marked by The Gothic Alcove. Make sure you stop here for a moment to admire the fine view of the Vale of Taunton.
There is a lot to enjoy at Hestercombe, including the Victorian Shrubbery with its 19th century yew tunnel and the Army Barrack Hut in Rook Wood. Here, you can discover the role Hestercombe played in the Second World War.
With so much to see, it’s not surprising that Hestercombe enjoys plenty of repeat customers. I think our “driving past” days are over, we’ll certainly be back again soon.
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