GROUND FLOOR
The residence at Denham Place has been rightfully described as a masterpiece of restoration. Similarly, the landscaping of the surrounding land might be described as masterful. It is hardly surprising that the parkland and gardens are listed as ‘important’ by Historic England.
Spreading over 42 acres, enclosed by a 10 ft high red-brick wall, the Denham Place estate features a meadow, orchard, ornamental trees and a lake created by diverting the course of the River Misbourne. A formal sunken garden, walled garden and series of flowerbeds complete the beautifully composed picture.
“Denham Place offers families the opportunity to live in safe, splendid seclusion. The air is pure, the park stretches into the distance and Mayfair is just a 30-minute drive away.”
WILLIAM SWEENEY | TERRA FIRME
CAPABILITY BROWN - ENGLAND’S GREATEST LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
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In the 1770s, Capability Brown, England’s most illustrious, most in-demand landscape architect, set to work at Denham Place. Out went the old formal arrangements with regimented patterns and in came the more fashionable ‘gardenless’ approach to landscaping. His more naturalistic plan, with scattered clumps of trees, stretches of smooth, undulating grass and a beautiful lake created an idyllic setting for the house.
Lancelot Brown was nicknamed ‘Capability’ because he would tell clients that their land had ‘capability’ for improvement. Many of the improvements he made at Denham Place remain laid out for all to see.
“At his command a new Creation blooms, born to grace Nature, and her works complete, with all that's beautiful, sublime and great!”
Extracts from a 1760s poem written in Capability Brown’s honour
Around two and a half centuries after Capability Brown’s intervention, the highly respected international garden designer Lord Kenilworth worked to conserve and complement the existing Denham Place landscape.
“A yew crescent screens the Georgian clock house from the main house and creates a backdrop for a series of colourful parterres.”
LORD KENILWORTH | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT AND GARDEN DESIGNER
WOODLANDS AND LAKE
A woodland path passes through mature trees including sweet chestnut trees of great girth under-planted with evergreen shrubs such as holly, yew, box and ruscus. Fruit trees and modern conifers grow close to the lake, including two large plane trees aligned with the south front of the house. The lake, created by Capability Brown, is formed from the River Misbourne as it enters from the west, and dammed at the east end, leaving the garden under the Old Bridge on the east boundary.
42 ACRES OF LIVING SPACE
Space to breathe pure, fresh air. Space to enjoy a rural haven in complete privacy. Across the 42 acres of greenery, there are spaces for sporting endeavours and spaces for the pursuit of less strenuous pleasures. A stroll though the woods, observing the changing seasons. A wander down to the lake, watching the waterfowl glide onto its shimmering surface. Or a visit to the kitchen garden, noting the growth of its herbs and vegetables.
In many ways, the Denham Place estate offers a timely opportunity to connect with nature, to indulge in pastoral pleasures, away from the stresses and strains of city life. Of course, when the city beckons, it is not far away.
STABLES, HORSES, POLO
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With so much parkland, there is scope to add a range of equestrian facilities. Stables, paddocks, a jumping area and polo fields could be created beside the expanse of meadow.
A shady bridleway could wind its way through the woods.
GRADE II LISTED 10FT WALL PROVIDES PRIVACY AND SECURITY
Much of the boundary is defined by a long 10 ft high red-brick wall, listed grade II, with a coping of vertically laid bricks raked to a point. Enclosed by this wall, broken by occasional wrought-iron gateways, the estate is secure and intensely private.