Kenwood House seen from the south
Rhododendron beds on the lawns west of the house
The Kitchen Garden at Kenwood
Kenwood House seen from the south
Rhododendron beds on the lawns west of the house
The Kitchen Garden at Kenwood
Kenwood House and its estate lie between the Spaniards Road, NW3 and Hampstead Heath.
Kenwood House Grounds are the estate of the historic and stately home of Kenwood House, in Hampstead. It includes a magnificient garden. From the terrace south of the house, one can look out over parts of Hampstead Heath, and there are good views of central London in the distance.The house is situated near the top of a hill a short distance from Hampstead Lane. The immediate view from the south of the house is a steep drop of tended lawn to lakes at the bottom of the slope. This imposing view has been regularly used for concerts(this has been suspended, as of early 2007). There is a wilder landscape, which merges into Hampstead Heath, to be seen beyond the lake.
The view from the lawns, looking back at the house, is one of the best known in London. A viewpoint to the west of the house, near the kitchen garden, offers excellent views of most of central London, and parts of south London, over the tree tops of Hampstead Heath.On the north side of Kenwood House, there are well tended lawns and approach roads taking the original residents (and most modern visitors) to the main access in Spaniards Road.
Woodland and wild areas exist by the lake and beyond, including some protected areas and an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Further beyond the lake and its surrounding woodland lies Hampstead Heath.Recent restoration has tried to put the grounds back toward the condition that they used to be in. Paths that were formerly tarmacked have been put down to gravel again, especially near the house. However this is patchy, and has not been done everywhere.
The gardens surround the house. They are carefully maintained as far in the original style as possible.
To the north and west of the house there are avenues of trees, carefully tended lawns, exotic trees, and a mature rhododendron garden.By the western gate, there is the kitchen garden; an enclosed or walled garden. It has two lawns with well maintained shrub and herb plantings, and makes a beautiful and peaceful sitting area.
There are a number of notable trees, including some fine specimens of Swamp Cypress by the lakes, and London Planes near the house,Kenwood House is itself the primary attraction for many visitors. It is normally open free of charge, and there are special exhibitions staged there. It has been used as the location for several films.
There are a number of sculptures in the grounds, including ones by Henry Moore and by Barbara Hepworth.The house dates from about the beginning of the seventeenth century, and the estate was first laid out then. The house was altered and largely completed in its present design by Robert Adam by 1779 for the Mansfield family. The gardens were 'influenced by Humphrey Repton' (according to English Heritage).
The house and grounds were obtained for public ownership by subscription, as a result of the Iveagh bequest, by Edward Cecil Guinness. The house was formally opened to the public in 1928.Kenwood House and its grounds are managed by English Heritage. Telephone 020 8348 1286. The grounds are closed each night. Entrance to the grounds and the house is free.
There is a Friends of Kenwood group, who organise lectures, tours, and fund-raising for the estate.