The Folly Gardens, The Temple at Stancombe Park

An Introduction to The Folly Gardens.
The definition of a Folly is to be of no practical use; only to delight. The Grade One Folly Gardens of Stancombe Park have been described as the most exciting example of a folly garden after Biddulph Grange, in Staffordshire. The garden was the inspiration of the reverend David Purnell-Edwards who was married to a portly lady and, with whose large dowry, he embarked on the idea of a idealised walk which would take in all the important civilizations; conveniently located around a two acre lake. There are examples of Chinese, Egyptian and Greek architectural styles. Legend has it that he was keen to build a love-nest for a beautiful gypsy girl who lived in the neighbourhood.
He devised a series of tunnels to reach the garden which were to be too narrow for his broad wife to come to; she must have been quite some size as the width of the tunnels are at least three foot! With a team of soldiers back from the Napoleonic Wars who had recently disbanded at Avonmouth, the reverend designed a walk which circled the lake to lead to a small temple which he created for his love trysts with the gypsy. The workmanship of the buildings, fountains and underground waterways is of the highest quality. Sadly all but one of the fountains now are not in working order.
		The Gardens have been used throughout their history for unusual events: Doris Hooper put on Bathing Beauty contests from a small jetty in the 1950s. Nic Barlow, whose family have lived at Stancombe for the past forty years, has had a water-polo match, a jazz concert with The Temperance Seven, a costumed ball and a vicar and gypsy party there. The whole place invites fantastical events to come about. English Heritage generously offered to carry out a thorough restoration to the temple in 1996. They painstakingly recreated the detailing of every aspect of the building. Great effort was then made to make an environment which oozed atmosphere and comfort. Central heating was installed to make sure that the uncertainties of the English climate did not dampen any enjoyment of the guests who now stay there.
There is a small but well equipped kitchen. Cabled television, a four speaker sound-system and a telephone add to the list of amenities provided. There is one double bed in its own alcove and having no other sleeping arrangements ensure a most romantic stay for the couple staying there! Having dinner outside on the terrace is actively encouraged in fine weather - this can be prepared in the kitchen or pre-ordered from a local caterer, Douglas Hinton who devises creative menus for the guests. Great emphasis has been put on to make an intimate, memorable experience for anyone who stays there.