The Netherlands

West 8 urban design & landscape architecture b.v.

Nico Koomanskade 1021
3072 LM Rotterdam
The Netherlands

+31 (0) 10 485 5801

Belgium

West 8 Brussels urban design & landscape architecture bvba

Waaienberg 123
1745 Opwijk
Belgium

+31 (0) 10 485 5801

United States

West 8 urban design & landscape architecture p.c.

2133 Arch Street, Suite 101
Philadelphia, PA 19103
United States of America

+1 347 371 2252

Preserving, Sharing, Reimagining

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, UK

West 8 approached this complex, historic landscape with sensitivity, insatiable curiosity, and admiration; developing a grand vision for the Manor’s grounds that takes a comprehensive and progressive leap into the future.

Situated in the heart of Buckinghamshire, Waddesdon Manor is one of the most distinguished National Trust properties in the United Kingdom. Surrounded by a stunning rolling landscape and only a one-hour train ride away from London, it is a particularly attractive destination for day visitors.

Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to display his outstanding collection of Art. Along with the Manor, he built stables, glasshouses and several lodges. The wider estate, which surrounds Waddesdon Manor and its immediate gardens is still privately owned by the Rothschild family. To gain understanding and develop critical insight and invaluable tacit knowledge of the workings of the landscape, the design team conducted in-depth interviews with staff members and the Rothschild family and created a timeline reflecting the layered history of the site’s garden interventions over the generations.

West 8 presented five preliminary recommendations as a first step toward developing a comprehensive master plan for the site. Waddesdon boasts a lively and enduring legacy, distinguished by the Rothschild family and their Foundation’s active participation in managing the Manor, the family’s residence on the Estate, and the continuous “pursuit of excellence” of the Rothschild Domain.

Client
The Rothschild Foundation

Imagery
© West 8 and © The Rothschild Foundation