Hestercombe Gardens, a cherished historic attraction featuring a 16th-century house and beautifully landscaped gardens, has entered administration due to financial difficulties. The estate, which also serves as a popular wedding venue, continues to welcome visitors while operating under the oversight of newly appointed administrators.
The managing companies, Hestercombe Gardens Trust and Hestercombe Gardens Limited, have brought in professional services firm Forvis Mazars as joint administrators to oversee the business during this challenging period. Despite this move, the estate in Taunton remains open to the public and the gardens and facilities continue to operate as usual.
Mark Boughey, joint administrator, expressed regret at the necessity of administration. “Despite the dedication and hard work of the management team, and after efforts to reduce costs and reorganize, it is unfortunate that such a beloved historic house and gardens have had no alternative but to enter administration to safeguard their future,” he said.
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Founded in 1996, Hestercombe Gardens Trust is a registered charity responsible for restoring and preserving the gardens for generations to come. However, over the past year, the attraction has faced a decline in visitor numbers, and its wedding and café operations have not generated the necessary profits to sustain the estate.
“Like many similar businesses, Hestercombe has struggled with rising operational costs, leaving the trustees with limited options other than to seek administration and the assistance of professional administrators,” added Boughey.
While continuing normal operations for the time being, the administrators are actively exploring all possible avenues to secure the estate’s long-term sustainability.
The trustees acknowledged that the “beloved” attraction is no longer viable under its current operational model despite recent stabilization efforts. “Hestercombe Gardens has played a vital role in the cultural and social life of Somerset and beyond,” they stated.
They further expressed hope that the appointment of administrators will facilitate a structured, professional management of the trust’s finances and assets while exploring options that may include restructuring or asset sales to ensure the gardens’ future preservation and enjoyment.