The Dropmore Estate in Buckinghamshire comprises an extensive range of early 19th century formal gardens surrounding the principal house designed by Samuel Wyatt (with later additions by Tatham and Blow & Billery).
The design of the estate began in 1792 and can be attributed to the Prime Minister, Sir William Grenville and to his wife Lady Anne Grenville. Their work continued over a period of 70 years, incorporating a variety of styles fashionable at the time. This blended the formality and structure of the main gardens with more informal elements including rustic, picturesque follies within the wider landscape.
In addition to the main house, which is listed Grade 1, there are eleven further listed buildings in the gardens. The wider, informal landscape contains an internationally important Pinetum and significant collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. As a result of lack of management during the second half of the 20th century many of the garden structures were in parlous state and large parts of the woodland had become completely overgrown.
We were commissioned to prepare a detailed Historic Landscape Survey and Restoration Management Plan for this 225 acre, Grade II registered landscape. We also prepared the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment in support of a new guest house within the grounds. This work formed the basis for a successful application for planning permission to remove a modern apartment block from the formal gardens and return the main house to use as a single dwelling.
Following this, we prepared detailed proposals for the restoration of the garden and we are currently coordinating the works required for their implementation. We have also prepared detailed management plans for the wider estate and, having procured a team of gardeners, are working with them to restore the Pinetum, woodland and parkland landscapes.
