6 days ago
Somerset's historic Hestercombe estate put into administration as running costs rise
Hestercombe House and Gardens has been put into administration after Trustees declared the estate is 'no longer viable in its current operational model'.
The historic estate near Taunton features a 16th century house and gardens which span four centuries of design which are open to the public and used as a wedding venue.
The 50 acre estate includes a Georgian Landscape Garden, Victorian shrubbery and Edwardian formal gardens.
It's staged events including a Christmas Light trail, live music and theatre and a sunflower walk.
Forvis Mazars have been appointed administrator of Hestercombe Gardens Limited and Hestercombe Gardens Trust - a charity set up in 1996 to oversee restoration of the gardens and protect their future.
Mark Boughey, Joint Administrator, said, 'Visitor numbers are down over the past year and wedding/cafe operations are failing to deliver the profitability the wider estate requires.'
'Despite the passion and commitment of the current management team and following a period of cost-cutting and reorganisation it is sad to see a popular and historic house and gardens left with no real alternative but to appoint administrators to protect the asset.'
The business continues to trade under the Administrators' supervision and the estate remains open to the public.
In a statement the Trustees said 'Hestercombe, a beloved historic estate and gardens, has played a central role in the cultural and social life of Somerset and beyond.'
'We hope the appointment of administrators will ensure a structured and professional approach to managing the Trust's cash flows and assets while exploring potential avenues for future sustainability including a restructuring and/or the sale of assets.'
