Goldings estate

Goldings Estate is a country house in Hertford built between 1871 and 1877 by architect George Devey in Tudor style, situated on a south-facing slope northwest of the town. The 100-hectare property contains two walled gardens, several listed bridges, and maintains its original entrance through Goldings Lodge off North Road.

An original mansion was built around 1700 for Thomas Hall and later acquired by Robert Smith, who commissioned a new residence between 1871 and 1877. After decades of private use, the estate became a Dr. Barnardo's Home in 1921, serving orphaned children until its closure in 1967.

The estate displays Victorian tastes through its Tudor-style design and extensive gardens filled with ornamental plantings. Visitors can observe how artistic landscaping and specimen trees shape the grounds.

The estate is best explored on foot, with marked paths through gardens and grounds spreading across the property. A visit works best during drier weather, as the terraced slopes can become slippery after rain.

The estate houses rare tree species such as cedars and Wellingtonias planted in the gardens, now displaying impressive specimens. These botanical features have matured over the decades and distinctly shape the character of the grounds.