If you are thinking of having an orangery built next year, you might be in need of a little inspiration. Fortunately, here in the UK, there are many splendid examples of the orangery to be found. While your project may not end up as grand as some of these, it is fascinating to see just how beautiful these structures can be!
The Temple of Diana, Shropshire
This stunning building is currently available as holiday accommodation, so you could actually live with the wonderful space and light it offers for a week or two. It was built in the 1760s in Weston Park in Shropshire, and designed by the architect James Paine. The park was landscaped by the renowned designer Capability Brown.
The structure was originally intended as a multi-purpose garden building, and still retains many original features, including a gorgeous high-ceilinged three bay orangery with unbroken views across the park. There is also a circular Tea Room, and stone spiral staircases leading up to the sleeping accommodation.
Mount Edgcumbe, Cornwall
This elegant orangery which sits within the formal gardens of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park in Cornwall is available as a wedding venue. It was built in 1775 by the celebrated architect Thomas Pitt, and is now a Grade II* listed building. The venue offers views of the historic Italian Gardens and water fountain.
The Orangery is a fine example of Georgian architecture with beautiful glazed proportions. It was built in the era when garden rooms were still separate structures from the main house.
Powis Castle, Welshpool
One of the finest historical examples of the orangery is to be found at Powis Castle, near Welshpool. It is a Grade I listed building, set in outstanding Italianate terraced gardens. They are one of the only surviving examples of a 17th century terraced garden in Britain. The Orangery is accessed by a flight of stone steps, and has a grand stone doorway.
The structure offers splendid views over the celebrated castle gardens. They have been carefully tended and adapted over the years, to accommodate an aviary, a water garden, an oak woodland, a croquet lawn, and formal gardens.
The Oragery has its own terrace, complete with a row of Seville orange trees in pots, and clipped holly domes. The interior of the structure is chalky white, with large sash windows. It has evolved over the years from a place to rear exotic and tender plants, to a pleasant and relaxing space to sit during the summer months.
Hestercombe, Taunton
Hestercombe is located three miles from Taunton, Somerset, set in an estate of 50 acres. The historical orangery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and has been restored to perfection. Made from Ham-stone, it has a unique charm and offers that quintessential English country garden feeling.
Lutyens was an influential English architect, who is best known for imaginative adaptations of traditional country houses and public buildings. He had a flair for working with nature, and combining the formal and informal, which is evident in this beautiful example of a Victorian style orangery.
