The Grade One Temple and Folly Gardens of Stancombe Park in Gloucestershire have been described as being of similar calibre as Stourhead in Wiltshire and of Biddulph Grange in Staffordshire. The garden was the inspiration of the reverend David Purnell-Edwards who was married to a portly lady and, as legend has it, aided by her large dowry, he embarked on the idea of a idealised walk which would encapsulate all the important civilizations around the two acre lake; made up of The Chinese, Egyptian and Greek architectural styles. He devised a series of tunnels to reach the garden which were to be too narrow for his broad wife to pass through; 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 a local beautiful gypsy. The workmanship of the buildings, fountains and underground waterways is of the highest quality.
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 fifty 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 pass.
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 oozes atmosphere and comfort. Central heating was installed to make sure that the uncertainties of the English climate do not dampen the enjoyment of the guests. There is a small but well equipped kitchen. Free-sat television, a four speaker sound-system 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, Helen Kendall, who has devised some creative menus.
Great emphasis has been put on to make an intimate, memorable experience for those who stay there.
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 fifty 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 pass.
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 oozes atmosphere and comfort. Central heating was installed to make sure that the uncertainties of the English climate do not dampen the enjoyment of the guests. There is a small but well equipped kitchen. Free-sat television, a four speaker sound-system 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, Helen Kendall, who has devised some creative menus.
Great emphasis has been put on to make an intimate, memorable experience for those who stay there.
History of The Temple, The Temple is part of the Grade One Garden at Stancombe Park Gloucestershire