| The Hare Hill estate, consisting of 284 acres, was presented to the National Trust in 1978 by Colonel Brocklehurst who lived at
Hare Hill House throughout the whole of his life. In accordance with his wishes various elements of the estate were sold, including the house, which was built c.1820 and is now privately owned. |
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The estate mainly consists of rolling park and farm land with large numbers of
specimen trees set in grassland, the remainder being taken up with broadleaf and mixed
woodlands. There are many small ponds, some of which are set in wooded cover, but several, including the lake, within grassland areas. |
| The garden, including the Walled Garden, was laid out at approximately
the same time as Hare Hill House was built. The mixed woodland around the walled garden, although planted with some exotic species in the 19th century, was mainly developed this century by Colonel Brocklehurst with advice from James Russell V.M.H. |
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Planted for amenity effect there are many species and old hybrids of rhododendrons, azaleas and a fine
collection of hollies. New rhododendron planting continues to take place, together with specimen trees and shrubs. |
| The Walled Garden, developed during the latter part of the 19th century
for vegetables and cut flowers, was changed to a flower garden by Colonel Brocklehurst
during the later years of his life. He commissioned two equestrian wire sculptures by Christopher Hobbs and a metal pergola by Philip Jebb. There is a wide variety of climbing plants on the walls for late spring and summer effect. |
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Adjacent to the car park, through a wooden gate, a walk across the
parkland leads to a large lake and picnic area. Beyond this area is a link path across farmland and through some woods to Alderley Edge, about 2 miles away. |
The Hare Hill estate is very pleasant
and very well cared for. |
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