Between 1936 - 1939 Ralph Dutton, the 8th and last Lord Sherborne set about remodelling the large Victorian mansion at Hinton Ampner he had inherited.
He created the charming neo-Georgian red-brick house that was to be a suitable setting for his fine collection of Regency furniture, Italian paintings and 'objets d'art'.
At the same time the framework for Ralph Dutton's formal garden was established but this would not be completed until after the Second World War.
A wooded landscape park also emerged from a muddle of hedgerows and scattered trees. This area was carefully designed and provides the foreground to a marvellous view across the unspoilt Hampshire countryside.
The house was built on a superb site at the top of rise and from here the ground falls gently away to the south.
Lord Sherborne made great use of this location and the many changes of level are linked with brick steps.
The garden is outward looking, making a feature of its wonderful views.
Grassy walks lead to vistas to the north and west and the broad terrace on the south front has a sweeping view over the chalk landscape. Eyecatchers have been placed at strategic places in the garden. A sundial is lined up with an oak in the park and a large urn is centred on the north vista.
A 600-foot grassy walk is hedged with pairs of Irish yews and down this a statue of Diana faces the sundial. Halfway down the walk is a little classical temple which marks another grassy path. This runs along what remains of an old lime avenue across the park.
The eastern side of the garden is more enclosed.
Here a deep hollow known as the Dell was formed from an old chalk pit. The Dell is walled by steeply sloping beds planted with meconopsis, astilbes and a variety of hostas. Shade is provided in early summer by a vast giant hemlock. The Dell is flanked by a curving philadelphus walk, framed by high box hedges.
Beside the house is the site of a Tudor manor house.
An orchard has been planted here and in the spring it is carpeted with daffodils. The soil at Hinton Ampner is generally very thin above the solid chalk but a rare area of deep loam supports a splendid display of hydrangeas and camellias.
Everywhere, Lord Sherborne's belief in harmony and tranquillity is reflected in the peaceful colour schemes, set against an evergreen background.
In 1960 a disastrous fire almost destroyed the house and most of its contents.
However, Lord Sherborne was undefeated and straight away began to rebuild and refurnish his house as splendidly as before. The interior is decorated with elegance and grace. Furniture and furnishings were acquired on Ralph Dutton's travels abroad, from auctions, from dealers or from houses that had been or would soon be demolished.
Lord Sherborne had a particular appreciation of 17th century Italian painting and Venetian art which is shown by the works by Locatelli and Pellegrini on display in the house.
Hinton Ampner Garden is now in the care of the National Trust.
Hinton Ampner Garden Opening Times2008:Garden:15Mar-2Nov:11-17:00 Mon-Wed & Sat-Sun; House:15Mar-2Nov:12:00-17:00 Tue-Wed & Sat-Sun;Christmas:house & garden:1 Dec-21 Dec: 11:00-16:00 Sat-Sun. House open Bank Hol Mon 13:00-17:00 Last entry 30mins before close
Tel: 01962 771305 Visit the Hinton Ampner Garden Website
