Page 11 - cn-The Art of Style Status STUDIO pres April 2024
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The view takes in the Parterre and distant parkland, which was once part of the ancient Forest of Arden. The Parterre can be
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considered as the most prominent and significant part of the gardens adjacent to the house. In the 19 C an Elizabethan
revival took place, at that point in time the present Parterre was recreated.
The Parterre, with its elaborate balustraded wall drops to the River Avon via a series of landings which visually connects
river and outer parkland to the west elevation of the house, affording stunning views all around.
The composition takes in the Elizabethan house and the design of the Parterre, but also the result of the alterations to the
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landscape made by Capability Brown, commissioned by George Lucy in the Mid- 18 C, to landscape the grounds in the
new style. Brown remoulded the river banks creating a ‘natural easy level’, whilst the River Dene that flowed to the south of
the house and joined the Avon was brought closer and made to flow into the Avon via a cascade.
In measure of time, the scene accounts for the centuries of ownership. Charlecote Park has been the seat of the Lucy family
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since the 12 Century, and consequently there have been various expressions of style and objectives for the estate.
A herd of deer are present in the park, very much as in Shakespeare’s time.
Charlecote Park, Warwickshire. NT
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