With restoration of the East Parterre garden at Witley Court nearing completion, visitors this summer can be transported back 100 years and immerse themselves in the original grandeur of this magnificent garden.
The East Parterre in Full Bloom
One hundred years ago, Witley Court was one of England’s great country houses, grand and palatial, and surrounded by spectacular landscaped gardens. Then in 1937, disaster struck with a devastating fire and the once magnificent house fell into ruin, with the vast gardens falling into a long decline.
In recent years we have set about bringing the gardens back to life, including the South Parterre and its great Perseus and Andromeda fountain.
The restoration of the East Parterre is based on two years of archaeological investigation and old photographs of the garden in its prime. The impressive archaeological remains have provided an excellent starting point, allowing even the asymetry of the original design to be painstakingly recreated.
Enclosed by box hedging, the focus is a magnificent centrepiece of scrollwork hedging interspersed with coloured gravels and bedding plants.
The final piece of the jigsaw – new topiary reflecting the original design and authenticity of the restoration – will be added in the Autumn.
Plan Your Visit
Witley Court and Gardens is open daily until 31 October, then Wednesdays to Sundays from 1 November 2010 to 31 March 2011.
