Skip to content
Menu

Encombe House

The historic Encombe House and Estate is nestled within a unique stunning valley in the Purbeck hills. The garden has been extensively redeveloped since 2009, with a modern, sympathetic design for the garden by Tom Stuart-Smith. The main garden to the south of the house inc large sweeping borders filled with grasses and perennials, alongside extensive lawns, lake and deep herbaceous beds.

Owner Info

Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House
Encombe House

About Encombe House

The historic Encombe House and Estate is nestled within a unique stunning valley in the Purbeck hills. Largely hidden from the surrounding hillsides, the house and parkland have developed over the past few hundred years. The garden and estate have been extensively redeveloped since the owners bought the estate in 2009. A modern, sympathetic design for the garden by Tom Stuart-Smith has been implemented since 2011 with the majority of the hard and soft landscaping being completed in 2012.

The main garden to the south of the house include large sweeping borders filled with grasses and perennials that embrace the Temple which offers views across the lawns, lake and surrounding countryside. Behind the courtyard and Clock Tower lies the walled garden, where deep herbaceous beds follow the walls and, in the centre, surrounded by a young orchard, is a yew-hedged garden planted around a millstone fountain. Varied planting within the extensive borders mix prairie style modern planting with traditional English cottage style, all underpinned with structural shrub planting. Elsewhere, there are wildflower meadows, woodland walks, lakes, a kitchen garden and wilder areas all with glimpses of the Jurassic coast. The garden and estate continue to be developed with new areas being added, together with massed bulb and tree planting.

The garden is not open to the public. However, a limited number of tickets have been made available for this special afternoon event and private tour of the gardens and grounds. Following visiting Eastington Farm, there will be a warm welcome at 3.30pm with homemade teas served between 4.30pm to 5.30pm, kindly hosted by the owners, James & Arabella Gaggero. On arrival there will be an introductory talk will be given and then there will be the opportunity to explore the gardens accompanied by the owners and gardening team. Initially the main focus of the afternoon will be on the main central gardens which have been extensively redeveloped since 2009 by Tom Stuart-Smith. There will also be the opportunity to explore the wider grounds and parkland of the estate
.

Encombe House features

Location details

Encombe House,
Wareham,
Dorset,
BH20 5LW

Directions to Encombe House
Sharp R on to Kingston Lane, L on Langton road, keep L in Corfe, pass The Scott Arms & church, after 300yds 2nd turning L into Encombe. Follow signs for parking.

Encombe House openings

For this open day you need to pre-book your ticket in advance. To book tickets please click on the book button below.

Refreshments Home-made teas.
Admission Adult: £60.00
Child: Free
Opening times 15:30-17:30

Accessibility

  • Partial wheelchair access only (gravel paths and steps).
  • Share this garden

Other Gardens of Potential Interest

Dedley Farm image
Dedley Farm

Naturalistic garden of about 1 acre surrounds the house, inc gravel garden, wildflower meadow and borders filled with irises, geraniums, herbs,...

Read more
Wraxall Manor image
Wraxall Manor

Grade II* listed Manor House built in 1630 with Lutyens extensions in 1905. Large 3 acre elegant garden with deep herbaceous borders planted in a...

Read more
Karmacations image
Karmacations

Magical' sums up Karmacations, a brand new Japanese inspired oasis tucked away in the magnificent West Dorset countryside. Our Garden of Tranquility...

Read more
The Stables image
The Stables

Much loved garden planted in a contemporary style with deep borders filled with easy care colourful perennials interspersed with shrubs. The garden...

Read more
Morval image
Morval

Large 3 acre coastal garden that has recently undergone extensive renovation. Deep, informal, mixed borders surround the front lawn, planted in a...

Read more
10 Ryan Close image
10 Ryan Close

Though a small urban plot, this plantswoman’s garden is filled with a remarkable selection of mostly perennial plants, making a vibrant display all...

Read more
Tulip Tree image
Tulip Tree

Two acres of paddock with mown paths behind house and 1acre of garden around house dominated by 120 yr old Liriodendron tulipifera, which originates...

Read more
Caleston image
Caleston

A 3 acre woodland garden that has been developed over the last 20 yrs, planted with a mixture of mainly native tree species inc oak, birch and sweet...

Read more

Don’t miss out

Sign up to our weekly newsletter to hear more about the gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme, events and activities throughout the year

Sign up to our newsletter

FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Encombe House at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Sorry, Encombe House does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

Yes. Encombe House seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.