If you were asked to name three public conservatories, which three would you name?
Most often, we hear the names of iconic conservatories such as the Conservatory at Syon Park and the Palm House at Kew Gardens located in the United Kingdom or, in the United States, the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens and the Conservatory of Flowers. These conservatories paved the way for their rise in popularity during the 19th and 20th centuries, so much so that a few have also been featured in major films or events! Since their rise, hundreds of private and smaller garden glasshouses have been uniquely integrated into the main architecture of large estates, universities, and public gardens as featured showpieces that many are unaware exist in their backyards.
Take a journey off the beaten path with us to explore some hidden conservatory gems you may not have heard of!
Dorrance H. Hamilton Fernery
Pennsylvania, United States
Considered the only remaining freestanding Victorian fernery in North America, this unique conservatory is sunk into the earth with a stunning water feature to create the ideal damp conditions for ferns to thrive!
Hluboka nad Vltavou Conservatory
Czech Republic
Part of a stunning historic castle in the Czech Republic, this artistic glass jewel was added in the mid 1800s as a linkway to connect the castle and the riding school building. Cast and wrought iron were used to frame the Winter Garden, as the glasshouse was known. The blend of old and new marries the style of the castle with innovations in conservatory design.
Biltmore Estate Winter Garden
North Carolina, United States
The Biltmore is the largest privately held house in the United States and features a beautiful, timber truss conservatory covering a sunken garden filled with palms and flowering shrubs. The Estate offers an array of social gatherings, venue rentals and overnight stays!
Mark Twain Conservatory
Connecticut, United States
Just as Twain was no typical American, his late 19th-century house was no ordinary house. Meticulously designed with patterned brick motifs and intricate woodwork, the conservatory, filled with lush plants, was often transformed into a “jungle” where Twain pretended to be an elephant in mock safaris with his children.
Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil Conservatory
France
Designed by Jean-Camille Formige (1845-1926), this palm house and adjacent greenhouses rest on the grounds of a small botanical garden dating back to the rule of Louis XV in 1761!
Horniman Conservatory
London, England
Did you know the founder of Horniman’s Tea Company was an admirer of conservatories? Constructed to tend to Horniman’s rare plant collection and serve as a place of relaxation for his ailing mother, most do not know the original was disassembled to restore the Crystal Palace Park after a fire in 1977 and was later reconstructed by the English Heritage for the public to enjoy.
Alton Towers Conservatory
Staffordshire, England
While Alton Towers Resort is most known for its exciting theme parks and attractions, they also have a stunning garden attraction with a conservatory dating back to the early 1800s.
We are excited to see the passion for conservatories still prominent today. Marrying the indoors with the outdoors, these beautiful glasshouses play a prominent role in biophilic design and our mental health, and are still admired as a legacy for families to create memories in.
To explore more unique conservatories, visit The Conservatory Heritage Society’s archival library of historic conservatories. Compromised of over 60 recorded public conservatories (and counting), Tanglewood is excited to partner on this project to educate people on the importance of these rooms and continue to document their legacy.