Wotton House: Aside from the extraordinary gardens, our house too has its own unexpected story to tell. We were home to the Canadian Army during the Second World War and in 1947 it became a fire training centre for The Home Office. Soon afterwards, the house became the national Fire Service College. Today, our house is a home from home; a place where you will create unforgettable memories that will stay with you long after you leave. We are proud of our rich history, which makes us so unique. The Estate dates back to the 16th Century, when it was sold by Henry Owen to the Evelyn family. John Evelyn, one of three sons of Richard Evelyn, was passionate about botanicals and arboriculture and was particularly spellbound by the Italian Renaissance gardens he had seen on his tour of Italy. Inspired by what he had discovered on his travels, on his return to Wotton he constructed an Italian garden and temple, designed by his cousin, Captain George Evelyn, which was soon joined by a parterre garden complete with an Italian fountain. The Gardens As you wander through our 13 acres of garden, you'll discover corners of English eccentricity that have become synonymous with the Wotton Estate. Ours was the first Italian garden in England, completed in 1652, adorned with Roman temples and original mosaics. The gardens have been deemed worthy of protection and are unusually, individually Grade II listed. Built for intrigue, discover their mystical nature that is fit for any romantic explorer.