Eye catching and scenic vistas. (Stourhead Estate (Wiltshire))

Member Name: garymarsh6

Product:	Stourhead Estate (Wiltshire)
Date:	16/10/09 (98 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful at any time of the year.

Disadvantages: None

Stourhead.


Stourhead is a country estate of 2650 acres (owned by the national trust) deep in the Wiltshire countryside which is probably one of the best gardens in the world. It is great to visit at all times of the year whether it is in during the Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter as each season gives a different perspective and range of colours to behold. Red and brown hues in the autumn to match the magnificence of fall in New England USA as trees were imported from as far away as America, China and Japan. In spring the grounds come alive with bluebells and daffodils doted throughout the estate giving a carpet of colour and feeling of rebirth. In winter when frost is on the ground and the lake is frozen it looks like a winter wonderland. In summer green, alive and inviting.

The time of the day also influences the views that you get for example at dawn and as the sun rises and works its way across the sky it imparts different lighting to the trees giving different colours and hues. This is a photographer and landscape artists dream location
An monthly timetable of flowers is listed on the National trust website as follows.
January- Snowdrops.
February- Snowdrops
March- Daffodils.
April - Daffodils
Bluebells
Rhododendrons
May - Bluebells
Magnolias
Rhododendrons
Camilias
June - Rhododendrons
July - Virburnum
Magnolias
Philadelphus
August - Hydrangeas
September - Hydrangeas
October - Autumn colours.

The trees are wide and varied including conifers, red cedars and the giant redwood trees which give a wonderful display in the autumn. It has been described as a living breathing piece of art. At various times throughout the last two hundred years there has been the occasional massive storm producing hurricane force winds and on one occasion 300 trees were lost. Another storm saw the felling of another massive tree measured at over 400 feet. Over the years of course trees have been added to enhance the beauty.


The scenery is absolutely stunning and there are pictures and paintings that are quite famous and popular with wonderful views of the trees lakes and Roman temples dotted around the estate. These can be found on calendars and chocolate boxes.
You can take a three mile walk which takes you all around the estate so that you get the opportunity of different vistas throughout your walk.



The estate had been owned for 700 hundred years by Stourton family but was sold to Henry Hoare I who was the son of a rich banker in 1717.The estate and village in the valley were owned by the Hoare family and they had a massive Palladian mansion built in place of the house that was already there right at the top of the hill overlooking the valley and the village below. Down in the village there is a church, a pub, a memorial to those who fell in the First World War including the only son and heir to the estate and a number of cottages. There are four farms dotted around the estate one is on top of the opposite side of the valley overlooking the parkland. There is also are also two Iron Age forts on the far side of the valley.

The Palladian mansion built on top of the hill is a magnificent house which houses a very large collection of collectables including rare Chippendale furniture, art and books. There is a massive library in the mansion. There was a fire in 1902 which caused immense damage to the building but fortunately most of the furniture was saved from the ravages of the fire.

The valley was a unique and wonderful setting to develop this ornamental garden which was designed by Henry Hoare II (Known as the Magnificent) and the garden was initially laid out between 1781 to 1790. Over the years it has been added to, to make it what it is today. You can imagine after two hundred years how the trees and shrubs have grown and matured enhancing the landscape in all its beauty. In 1946 Henry Hoare the 6th Baronet gave part of the Stourhead estate to the National trust. Within one year he died and his wife died six hours after him. There was no real heir to the estate as their only son had been killed in the First World War.


There is a massive man made lake in the centre of the valley which is also the source of the river Stour having been dammed to create the lake. There is a Palladian bridge crossing part of the lake which gives a fantastic mirrored effect when taking photographs. The dam at the far end of the valley to helps maintain and tops up the lake. Dotted around the lake there is a footpath that you can walk around and a rocky formation containing a little grotto containing little nymph like statues. It is very cool in here and is featured in a lot of Italian gardens to provide a cool place to sit. There are water features, cascades and Roman and Greek temples dedicated to Apollo, and the Parthenon in Rome, an obelisk and a 50 metre high tower which can be climbed to get a bird's eye view of the gardens and estate.


There is a three mile walk that you can take around the gardens on gravel and woodchip pathways. It is not really suitable for people with walking difficulties or mobility problems as it is quite hilly and there are some steep inclines to walk up or down. It is not too bad on the walk around the lake but bear in mind that the pathway is covered in gravel which may make it very hard to push a wheelchair around. Whilst walking around the route you can view the whole of the gardens from different angles and each new vista is stunning and beautiful.


Facilities there is a farm shop and gift shop in the visitor centre near the car park. There is a pub and restaurant in the village.

The gardens are open from 9Am to 6PM Daily
The house is open at various times but usually from 10AM- 5 or 6PM
Entrance is Adults £11.100
Child £5.50
Family ticket £26.30
National trust members free admission.



Would I recommend a visit.

Yes I would it is an absolutely stunning and beautiful place. The photo opportunities are probably one of the best features of the visit taking photos of the beautiful temples form various spots around the estate making each and everyone unique. It is good for families but I would suggest you wear a decent pair of walking shoes. It does not matter whether it is rain or sunshine the gardens are absolutely beautiful and I don't think anyone wouldn't appreciate a visit here/

Stourhead Estate Office,
Stourton,
Warminster,
Wiltshire.
BA12 6QD

Telephone:- 01747 841152

Directions:-

By road
At Stourton, off B3092, 3 miles north west of Mere (A303),
8 miles south of Frome (A361).

Summary: Delightful landscaped gardens in the Wiltshire countryside.