Visitor Centre Rises Above Herbaceous Borders

After becoming renowned for its award-winning landscape, Pashley Manor Gardens saw an influx in visitors and so needed to expand. Owner, James Sellick, decided to invest in an oak-frame building which would allow him to offer more for visitors and provide a seamless experience for keen anthophiles from the moment they step on the grounds.

James, owner of Pashley Manor Gardens since it was opened to the public 25 years ago, had a commercial building created within the grounds to house a gift shop and reception area. He wanted to ensure that the building would complement the gardens and the well-known Pashley Manor. He comments: “We live in a mid-sixteenth century, oak frame, Tudor house, which though not open to the public, creates a backdrop to the gardens. We wanted a new building to serve as an additional area for our visitors which would complement the main house.”

Based on the border of Sussex and Kent, James wanted to ensure that local companies and materials were used. The timber frame is constructed using Green Oak from Sussex-based English Heritage Buildings and roofed with handmade, local tiles. He comments: “It is important for us as a business to use and promote other local businesses. With the gardens having such a rich English heritage, it is key for us to maintain this and ensure that the same rich history is left as a legacy for the future.”

After taking only four months to complete, the building now acts as a reception area and display space. James said: “The building has made a first-class area that is both a reception for visitors and an excellent display room for gifts on sale. It has provided a focal point and a good flow for visitors entering and leaving the garden.”

The benefits from constructing with Green Oak are that the material hardens with age which gives a charming character to the building, whilst also adding stability and longevity. Now eight years old, James has noticed the on-going quality of the material. He comments: “The building was completed to a high standard and eight years on, we have had no problems at all. It is now fully integrated within the gardens and provides an excellent display space for our shop; a lovely place for people to browse. It also won the Sussex Heritage Trust Award in 2010, which gave the business some great exposure.”

English Heritage Buildings offers a wide selection of green oak products including extensions, garages and bespoke commercial buildings. To find out more, please visit https://www.ehbp.com/. Alternatively, contact the consultation team on 01424 838643 or sales@ehbp.com. Pricings depend on the bespoke design our team creates with you to match your existing home and preferences, but typically the supply of a garden room frame ranges from £20,000 to £40,000.