UK's Hartwell House Offers 90 Acres of Gardens to Explore

The garden was laid out, at the start of the 18th century, in the formal style with allées and garden buildings: temples, columns, an obelisk, garden statuary, canals and an amazing yew tree exedra. The designer was probably James Gibbs, who certainly designed the garden buildings, several of which are extant. By the middle of the 18th century most of the formality had been swept away and the garden landscaped by a follower of Lancelot (Capability) Brown, one Richard Woods.

Not all the formal garden features were removed however; some of the garden buildings remain, in particular a gothic tower and pavilion by James Gibbs.

Much of the ornate stone detail, from the Jacobean façade of the house, was carefully retained by Sir William Lee in the 1750's by the building of two garden folly walls, in the architectural form of a Triumphal Roman arch. In these are displayed the sculptural details; the arch is presently being restored.

Hartwell House now boasts a spring garden planted with snowdrops, daffodils, eranthis, primroses and anemones. In the autumn of 2001 a path, leading to the canal temple, was planted with 10,000 daffodils. In the orchard, old varieties of apples are grown and the walls of the former kitchen garden support apricot, peach, pear and plum trees, of the same variety as those planted in 1868. Flowers for the house and fresh herbs for the kitchen are grown in Hartwell's gardens.

Hartwell House’s most famous resident was Louis XVIII, exiled King of France, who lived there with his Court for five years.

Built in the early 17th century, this Grade I listed building is today home to 46 bedrooms, all individually furnished with fine prints, pictures and antiques. Discover the beauty of the 90 acres of gardens and parkland whilst enjoying a spa break. An award winning restaurant offers British dishes to help further celebrate a break in this part of the country in true style.

For shopping fans a visit to Bicester Village, Europe's leading luxury designer outlet shopping destination is a must and located within close proximity to Hartwell House. Also located close by is Ascot Racecourse and Royal Ascot.

The Vale of Aylesbury is one of the most beautiful parts of Buckinghamshire, endowed with several grand properties owned by the National Trust including Waddesdon Manor, home of the Rothschild family; Claydon House, renowned for its association with Florence Nightingale the “Lady of the Lamp”; and Stowe Landscape Gardens with its many follies.

Discover landscaped gardens and enjoy the fresh air in this wonderful part of England.

More information: www.hartwell-house.com