05-11-2007

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Hestercombe House is an admin centre for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue however the gardens are open to the public, run by a charitable trust, this page has some views of them, arranged in the order we walked around.

The house was used by the Army during WWII, this hut survives as a reminder of that era in the house's history.

Turning round from taking the above was this view of the house with its distinctive tower.

Looking across Pear Pond with the Mausoleum opposite.

A swan reflecting in Pear Pond.

A view of Pear Pond

A waterfall feeding Pear Pond.

The weir at the end of Box Pond.

A family of Moorhens on Box Pond.

A view up Box Pond.

Followed by a view down Box Pond.

Uppermost pond in the gardens.

Up out of the valley is the Gothic Alcove which has a marvellous view out across Taunton.

Panoramic view from the Gothic Alcove.

Another view of the waterfall feeding the ponds, this time from above the valley.

The Temple Arbour, the garden has plenty of places like this and the Gothic Alcove in which to shelter from sun or rain if needs be.

The Arbour has a beautiful view across the Pear Pond to Taunton and the Blackdown Hills.

Another little shelter, the Witch House nestling in the trees.

A photo taken from Capriccio View through the trees including the Mausoleum, the Witch House and Temple Arbour.

The Mausoleum - not sure if it is actually one or if that is just a name!

An autumn view across Pear pond with the leaves just starting to turn.

Two views of the Victorian Shrubbery.

The outfall from Pear Pond.

Looking across the Mill Pond towards the dam holding Pear Pond.

We now go from the Landscape Garden to the Formal Garden.

The Orangery which overlooks a large lawn.

Inside the Orangery

This fountain in the Formal Garden fascinated our dog!

The Victorian Terrace.

A view of the main part of the Formal Garden.

Hestercombe House seen across the Formal Garden.

Another view across the garden with the house beyond.

Hestercombe House across another part of the garden.

The front of Hestercombe House with the carriage circle leading to the door.