Hestercombe House and Gardens are set in the Quantock Hills near Taunton and these parkland gardens and woodland walks take advantage of the gently sloping hills. 

The path from the main entrance follows the upper slopes of the garden with views across the lawns (in spring full of daffodils) to the Pear Pond and the cascading stream.

Much of the woodland walks have been under-planted with Laurel bushes which provides shape and creates a verdant feel all year round. The path follows the upper slopes to the far end of the grounds and two smaller ponds. 

It is then possible to either walk along the lower path next the the water features or continue on the upper slopes of the far side of the garden. 

Scattered along the paths are many pavilions and small monuments to rest a while and enjoy he views.

These gardens reminded me of a smaller, less developed version of Stourhead, so I was not surprised to read that Coplestone Warre Bampfylde (who inherited the property in the 18th century) was a friend of Henry Hoare who was responsible for Stourhead Gardens.

To the side of the house the Pear Pond cascades into the smaller and picturesque Mill Pond. 

The Mill has been renovated and contains an exhibition and Audio-Visual Room which shows various videos about the creation and restoration of the gardens.

An impressive Orangery looks out across rolling lawns, a lovely building with tall, elegant windows and french doors, all designed to provide the best environment for the imported citrus shrubs grown in large tubs.

From the steps of the house the formal gardens unfold across parterre lawns, colourful flower beds, fountains and paths to distant views of the Somerset countryside. 

This relatively small but outstanding element of Hestercombe was created by Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens and is an excellent example of their design skills and craft.

The 'Great Plat' contains features that were often used by Gertrude Jekyll in her garden design. 

On either side of the main formal garden square are Rills, these man-made miniature garden canals move the water away from the house creating the wonderfully peaceful sound of running water

At the far end of the garden is long pergola, beautiful in late spring and early summer when the Wisteria is in flower.

These large and varied gardens are a work in progress, being renovated from a neglected state recently. The recent plantings are now becoming established, all adding to an atmosphere of soft country elegance.

We enjoyed our visit to Hestercombe, albeit in a late winter season, with so much therefore lacking greenery and colour.  We are pleased to include a video clip below that may give a more realistic impression during warmer months.