West Green House

West Green House is an 18th-century country house with six themed walled gardens, a lake, and classical monuments scattered throughout the grounds. Architect Quinlan Terry designed architectural features that integrate across the entire property.

General Henry Hawley built the house around 1720, and his family retained ownership for nearly two centuries until 1898. A bombing in 1990 caused significant damage before the National Trust took over restoration efforts.

The summer opera season from July through August brings performances to an island stage within the lake, creating a distinctive cultural event that shapes how visitors experience the gardens.

The gardens are open to visitors from March through December, with a tea room available for breakfast and lunch throughout the day. The grounds are walkable at a leisurely pace, with paths connecting the different garden sections and lakeside areas.

After the 1990 bombing, Marylyn Abbott took over management and reshaped the property into a garden destination drawing inspiration from international design traditions. Her vision brought diverse cultural influences into the garden layout, transforming it into something quite different from typical English estates.

Location: Hartley Wintney

Website: http://westgreenhouse.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.30100,-0.93200

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40