The Pear Tree at Purton, is an elegant Cotswold stone hotel set in seven acres
Stonehenge. It is also an elegant wedding venue. ‘Dedication to service is the hallmark of this quietly excellent country hotel in the famous Vale of the White Horse, deep in rural Wiltshire…’ as described by the RAC when it awarded The Pear Tree with the Blue Ribbon, its highest award for excellence. The Pear Tree has 17 individually decorated en suite rooms and suites, many with spa baths and one with a four-poster bed. All the hotel rooms are furnished to a high standard and offer a host
of luxury amenities. The oldest part of the building is the fireplace in the library, dated to 1430.
The building was originally Purton Vicarage, but it did not stand on its present site until 1912. It was moved, so the story goes, because the church had run out of grave space, and the graves had gradually encroached on the house until they were right outside the front door. So in 1912 each of the stones was meticulously numbered and moved to the new site. In July 1987 the church sold the house to Francis and Anne Young. The Youngs brought many years of experience in the hotel industry to their first venture as hoteliers and have nurtured Pear Tree ever since.
devastating fire, and contains his collection of Georgian and Regency furniture, Italian pictures and objets d’art. He also laid out the gardens which are widely acknowledged as a masterpiece of 20th-century design, mixing formal and informal planting, providing year-round interest.
Ralph Dutton wrote a book on Hinton Ampner, A Hampshire Manor (Batsford, 1968). He had earlier written a history of the English garden. Writer Mea Allen described Hinton Ampner as ‘one of Britain’s great gardens to be seen if you can. A classical beauty of layout and ornament’. The garden has walks and terraces with hedges, topiary, ornaments and excellent planting. Dutton explained that ‘my interest lies more in shrubs than in flowers – what above all I want from a garden is tranquillity’.
Hinton Ampner, Bramdean, nr Arlesford, Hampshire, England, SO24 0LA
Open: Mid March to early November, Saturday to Wednesday. Open 11am to 5pm.
Admission: Adults, house & garden £7.85, garden only £6.85 (prices include voluntary gift aid donation).
Binham Grange
Marie and Stewart Thomas and their family have lovingly restored the historic Jacobean house and redesigned Binham Grange’s gardens. Special events, talks, art exhibitions, delicious food in its restaurant and luxurious accommodation, make this a unique and charming venue.
From the gardens there are view across to Exmoor and the trains of the West Somerset Railway trundling to and
HINTON AMPNER, BRAMDEAN, Nr. ALRESFORD SO24 0LA
Enjoy this magnificent 20th Century garden which unites formal design with varied and informal plantings in pastel shades. Scented plants, unexpected vistas and fine topiary combine to provide enduring interest.
The house contains a fine collection of English furniture, hardstones and Italian paintings.
Tea Room.
Whether it is a small gathering for a few family and friends, an informal buffet or a full wedding breakfast, The Pear Tree at Purton is a perfect venue. Both the John Veysey Suite and the Library are licensed for wedding ceremonies. The Library can accommodate up to ten guests and the John Veysey Suite up to 50. Both the John Veysey Suite and the restaurant can accommodate up to 50 for a sit-down meal.
The Pear Tree at Purton, Church End, Swindon Wiltshire Telephone: 01793 772100.
www.peartreepurton.co.uk
Hinton Ampner
The vision of one man, Hinton Ampner is best known for its magnificent garden with stunning views to the south. The elegant country house was remodelled by Ralph Dutton, the 8th and last Lord Sherborne, in 1960 after a
34
~ A family home open exclusively for group visits ~ ~4 acres of part-moated gardens ~
~ Ideal for coach parties requiring a Lunch or Cream Tea ~ ~ Guided Tours ~ Display Room ~ Gift Shop ~
Country Gardener
Open 19th February to 30th October 10.00am - 5.00pm. Closed Fridays. Tel: 01962 771305 or email
hintonampner@nationaltrust.org.uk for details
www.
FriarsCourt.com Clanfield, Oxfordshire
01367 810206
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