Introduction
The park associated with the early Georgian house was later extended by the diversion of a road, allowing a new drive. A fine arboretum was developed. Other features included an early-20th century Japanese garden and a large kitchen garden. In the late-20th century, the site became a school, resulting in extra buildings and a change of function for the park.
The site was much-altered in 1961 when the owner, Sir Richard Boughey, sold off large parts of the estate including the house and park. Red Rice became firstly Red Rice School and after 1982 Farleigh House School, both preparatory boarding schools for boys.
Although the lodges at the entrance to the park, the drive and the front of the mansion remain the same, other parts have been adapted to school use and new buildings have been placed behind the house. The park has shrunk in size; the arboretum has inevitably suffered from neglect; and the kitchen garden is empty. However, the open parkland is well-used for a variety of sports.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Owners
Farleigh House Preparatory School
Other Websites
- History
The house and park at Red Rice had their origin in early Georgian times. According to legend General John Webb, one of the Duke of Marlborough's officers, was the founder, but this cannot be proved. Certainly the Prince Regent visited the house when it was owned by Sir Henry Errington, the uncle of Mrs Fitzherbert.
In the 19th century, changes were made that enhanced the dignity of the estate. The Best family bought the estate in 1844 and plans were drawn up by the architect William Burn to remodel the house to become a mansion. By diverting the road that ran in front of the park it was possible to build a more imposing drive which led to the house. The park had always been well-wooded. In its midst a fine arboretum was created. Pleasure grounds, a pinetum and a large, productive kitchen garden were also evident. In the 20th century newly fashionable gardens such as Japanese, rose and topiary were created in the pleasure grounds.
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Lodge & Gatepiers
- Grade: II
Style
English Landscape Garden
Features
- School (featured building)
- Description: Early Georgian house, around 1740, later re-designed by William Burn, 1844, and built in 1883.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Kitchen Garden
- Description: Now empty.
- Drive
- Description: By diverting the road that ran in front of the park it was possible to build a more imposing drive which led to the house.
- Earliest Date:
- Gate Lodge
- Tree Feature
- Description: Arboretum.
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Education
Survival
Part: standing remains
Hectares
10
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Upper Clatford
- References
Contributors
Hampshire Gardens Trust
Leila Beale