Exciting plans are afoot for Hestercombe as we continue to bring art and the landscape together in one destination.
Philip White, CEO has announced our vision for the future, which includes the completion of the Landscape Garden and the creation of workshops and gallery space within the house.
Phased into five projects, the developments for Hestercombe will cost approximately £10million, on top of a £7.5million we have already raised.
Plans include the completion of the Landscape Garden and restoration of the water garden, as well as rebuilding Sybil’s Temple at its original location to complete the much anticipated ninth seat around the Gardens. This first phase of works will include re-landscaping, the creation of water features and the repair of the dam, improvements to the Ha Ha, parking and drive. We aim to complete the Landscape Garden by 2020, tying in with the tricentenary of Coplestone Warre Bamfylde.
Phase two will then look to transform Hestercombe House into a Centre for Art and Landscape, creating artists’ studios, workshops and a gallery space.
Going forward we will also create a multifunctional space with seating for 200 people, install retractable seating, a terrace and bar, redecorate the historic house and renovate the old kitchen and the roof. We will also install all-ability access to ensure that everyone can enjoy what Hestercombe has to offer.
Finally we aim to bring the gardens right up to date with the design and creation of a 21st Century Garden at West Combe, making Hestercombe the only destination in the country boasting four centuries of garden design.
Through all this investment, at a total cost of £17.5 million, we will develop Hestercombe into a centre of excellence in Art and Landscape and we will launch a major appeal to help with the funding of the project.
The concept of bringing Art together with the Landscape in such a way is unique to the area and we hope to attract international exchange, interdisciplinary research and learning through this concept.
These are truly exciting times for Hestercombe, where we have already seen “paradise restored”. Now we will be a offering a unique experience for those wanting to discover art and the landscape.
