Built / Designed For: Charles Hyett

House & Family History: The so-called "Georgian Bedroom" (an 18th century carved pine room with plaster ceiling) from Painswick was in the collection of William Randolph Hearst and was to be sold at the auction of Hearst's collection held by Saks Fifth Avenue and Hammer Galleries in New York City in 1941.

Garden & Outbuildings: Surrounding Painswick House are six acres of formal and informal gardens known as Painswick Rococo Gardens. The garden, which may more properly be called a "pleasure ground," is a rare survivor of the very brief rococo period in English garden design. Built in about 1740, the gardens were allowed to fall into disrepair, and by the 1970s they were overplanted with woodland and almost completely lost. However, an extensive restoration project was begun in 1984, using as a model a 1748 painting by local artist Thomas Robins showing the garden in its original glory. Unlike many English garden styles, rococo does not rely on a wide variety of plantings. Instead, the viewer is presented with surprising vistas, architectural accents and oddities, and an asymmetric design that provides constant surprises. One of the oddities is a curvilinear construction known as The Exedra. Looking almost oriental in style, this free-standing wall, topped by miniature pinnacles, stands before a circular pond fed by a spring. The flowerbeds are planted with species known to be popular in the mid-18th century. Beyond the formal garden are extensive woodland walks, where wildflowers grow in profusion. Among its undoubted attractions, Painswick Rococo Gardens are best known for the wonderful display of snowdrops in late winter and early spring. At these times the hardy flowers create a veritable carpet among the trees of the woodland areas. Traditionally, villagers were allowed to enter the gardens one day each year to pick the snowdrops. Nowadays the flowers are for viewing only! (This history kindly provided by Britain Express: The UK Travel and Heritage Guide)

Country Life: XLII, 204, 1917.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade II

Current Seat / Home of: Richard Clavering Hyett Dickinson, 2nd Baron Dickinson; Hyett family here since the 18th century.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

Ownership Details: Since 1998 the gardens have been under a long lease to Painswick Rococo Garden Trust. The Stables are used as the family home and seat of the Dickinson family.

House Open to Public: Grounds Only

Phone: 01452-813-204

Fax: 01452-814-888

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.rococogarden.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: Yes