The hunting park and gardens were integral to the design of Houghton House.
An 18th century survey of Houghton House shows the park and depicts orchards, fields, dog kennels and a bowling green. Immediately surrounding the house were formal gardens in walled courts.
Each garden had a different purpose. The 'best garden' was by the formal entrance. The kitchen garden, drying yard and cherry garden were next to the service wing. The formal garden led to an avenue of trees surrounded by a 'wilderness' with ponds and lawns.
The Earl of Upper Ossory, owner of nearby Ampthill Park, acquired the park and the ruins in 1804. He commissioned Capability Brown to landscape his estate incorporating the gardens and ruins of Houghton House.
Disclaimer
The text and pictures on this page are derived from the 'Heritage Unlocked' series of guidebooks published in 2004. We intend to review, update and enhance the content in the near future as part of the Portico project, whose objective is to provide information on the history, significance, research background and sources for all English Heritage properties.
