Barnsley House is a historic manor house located in the village of Barnsley in Gloucestershire, England. The house is known for its elegant architecture and gardens. Originally built in the late 17th century, Barnsley House is today a luxury hotel and spa, known as The Pig in The Cotswolds, attracting visitors from around the world.
| Barnsley House | |
|---|---|
 Barnsley House and gardens | |
| Type | Historic manor house |
| Location | Barnsley, Gloucestershire, England |
| Built | c. 1697 |
| Current use | Luxury hotel and spa |
| Website | Official Website |
History
editThe manor house was constructed around 1697 and has been owned by several families over the centuries. In the mid-20th century, Barnsley House became famous for its gardens, which were designed by renowned landscape architect Rosemary Verey. In 1939 she married David Verey, whose family owned Barnsley House, a Grade II* listed 17th-century house about 4 miles (6 km) north-east of Cirencester.[1] Verey moved to Barnsley House with her husband in 1951, and she transformed the gardens into a celebrated work of horticultural art, blending traditional English garden styles with formal and contemporary elements. Verey was awarded an OBE in 1996, and in 1999 the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH) from the Royal Horticultural Society.[2]
Architecture
editThe house itself is a fine example of the Cotswold vernacular, built with local limestone and showcasing classic features such as mullioned windows and a stone slate roof. The design reflects the typical grandeur of an English country house while maintaining a connection to the local architectural traditions.
Gardens
editThe gardens of Barnsley House are among the most famous in England. Rosemary Verey's vision for the garden was to create a space that was both beautiful and practical. Verey incorporated elements from historical garden designs, including formal features such as parterres, fountains, and a potager (kitchen garden). The garden's layout encourages exploration, with paths leading visitors through different "rooms," each with its own character and plantings.
Present Day
editIn 2003, Barnsley House was converted into a luxury hotel and spa, offering guests the opportunity to experience its historic charm while enjoying modern amenities. The house's gardens remain a key attraction, and the hotel offers garden tours and workshops to celebrate the legacy of Rosemary Verey.
Notable Features
edit- The Laburnum Walk, a stunning tunnel of golden laburnum flowers.
- The Knot Garden, with intricately designed box hedges.
- The Potager, a combination of ornamental and edible plants.
- The Herbaceous Border, one of Rosemary Verey's signature features.
See Also
editNotes
edit- ^ Historic England. "Barnsley House (1341249)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ Rosemary Verey obituary[dead link], Erica Hunningher, The Independent 7 June 2001
External links
edit- Official Website of "The Pig in The Cotswolds" Retrieved 17 October 2024