Introduction
The house is a grade II listed building, having undergone many alterations from the original modest farm. Features include a ha-ha, terrace, woodland, old walled garden and restored summerhouse. Modern additions include a small replanted formal garden and lake.
The woodland surrounding the house today is of outstanding beauty and is mainly broadleaved mature trees and plantation of small leafed limes. A small formal garden was replanted in 1995 and the summerhouse restored. A lake was also created in 1995. The old walled garden, which is as old as the house, is some distance from it. By the mid-1990s it was in need of restoration.
- History
Holywell House was originally Holywell Farm on the estate of Swanmore Manor. It was bought by Admiral Lord Anson in 1745, who extended the existing two cottages and joined them. Humphrey Minchin bought the house in 1765 and extended it, re-using old materials.
In 1775 and 1790 further re-modelling took place, introducing the large, distinctive semi-circular bows to the south and east. The walled garden and barn date from this time. Maurice Portal bought the house in 1917 and a Georgian-style door was added to the front. In 1960, it was bought by Lord Rhyl, and then by descent it came to the Earl of Clarendon. In 1994, reconstruction of an 18th-century service wing and an old farmhouse took place.
Period
- 18th Century
- Late 18th Century
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Grade: II
Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation
Features
- Garden Wall
- Description: Walled garden.
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- Ha-ha
- Description: The unplanted south front looks across a ha-ha to a vista carved through the once surrounding Forest of Bere.
- Summerhouse
- Description: The summerhouse was restored in 1995.
- Earliest Date:
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- House (featured building)
- Description: The house was originally two cottages, which were joined, extended and re-modelled over successive centuries.
- Earliest Date:
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- Plantation
- Description: Plantation of small leafed limes.
- Pergola
- Description: There is a wide pergola draped with vines and roses.
- Garden Terrace
- Description: The gardens of terrace and borders are at the side of the house.
- Border
- Description: The gardens of terrace and borders are at the side of the house.
- Lake
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Period
18th Century
Survival
Extant
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Swanmore