A new online trail has been launched by the Historic Houses Association (HHA) to celebrate and commemorate the work of landscape architect ‘Capability’ Brown, as it announces ‘26 stunning HHA Member landscapes around England, all designed by the ‘Father of Landscape Architecture’.’
The Historic Houses Association (HHA) writes:
Grab your walking boots, put on your hats and scarves, and work your way around some beautiful ‘Capability’ Brown landscapes!
The Historic Houses Association announces today the launch of an exciting new online trail exploring 26 stunning HHA Member landscapes around England, all designed by the ‘Father of Landscape Architecture’.
This year is the 300th anniversary of the birth of ‘Capability’ Brown, the man responsible for the way we think of, and view, the quintessential English countryside. The HHA represents over 1600 historic houses, castles and gardens across the UK, over 70 of which are nestled within ‘Capability’ Brown landscapes, around a third of all his sites. Importantly the majority of these sites are still privately owned, many still being lived on by the descendants of the people who commissioned Brown’s work.
Christopher Legard, owner of Scampston Hall, comments: ‘My ancestor William St Quintin commissioned ‘Capability’ Brown to redesign the grounds at Scampston in 1782 and we feel very privileged to live within a landscape designed by such a prominent figure. It’s wonderful being part of a trail exploring his work and we look forward to welcoming people who would like to see the grounds first-hand. We will be holding a number of workshops, trails and guided walks this year, focusing on different aspects of Brown’s landscapes.’
The trail features some of Brown’s most famous projects, including Blenheim Palace and Burghley House. It also explores some of the smaller sites associated with Brown, such as Kirharle in Northumberland- his birthplace, and the Cadland Estate in Southampton, as well as sites which contain some of his lesser-known architectural work, including the chapel at Compton Verney.
Brown designed these sites to be used and explored, and many properties are running special events for the anniversary. So whether you’d like a gentle stroll, an afternoon tea, expert lectures or even a horse and carriage ride take a look at the map and start your journey!
View the press release and access the trail
