Situated in the heart of Buckinghamshire, Waddesdon Manor is one of the most distinguished National Trust properties in the United Kingdom. Surrounded by stunning undulating landscape and only a one hour train ride away from London, it is a particulalrly attractive destination for day visitors.
Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to display his outstanding collection of Art. Along with the Manor he built stables, glasshouses and several lodges. The wider estate, which surrounds Waddesdon Manor and its immediate gardens is still privately owned by the Rothschild family.
Waddesdon has a vibrant and on-going legacy. What really sets it apart is the active involvement of the Rothschild family and their Foundation in the daily managent of the Manor, the family members living on the Estate, and the ongoing ”pursuit of excellence“ of the Rothschild Domain.
In February 2014, West 8 presented five preliminary recommendations as a first step towards developing a comprehensive masterplan for the site. The key princples of West 8's proposal include:
A Great Welcome: For Ferdinand, the “journey” seemed equal and as important as actually being at the manor. The aim is to revive and celebrate again ‘the arrival into a different world’.
Telling the Stories: The Rothschild family has an extensive international legacy which is well documented. This legacy is also reflected in the Waddesdon landscape and can be better showcased on-site by addressing specific theme’s such as Nature, Horticulture, Music, Food, Art, Farming, etc.
Introduction of the Hubs: Today the manor hosts the gallery, restaurant, offices, guestrooms and a large shop. The stables, which have been under construction for many years, remain an ambiguous place. Ideally the different programs will be organized in such a way that dedicated hubs emerge around the Estate, as opposed to residing solely within the manor.
Paradise Regained: The restoration of the official garden in the early nineties was executed remarkably well. However there remains a strong need for the development of a coherent vision for the functional spaces around the manor; the so called “Engine Room’’ or ‘’Paradise’’. These spaces encompass the stables, the glasshouse and dairy. A phased implementation model is proposed to reconnect the manor with the 'Engine Room' through a series of interconnected gardens.
A Rothschild Domain: The remarkable landscape topography, its distinct geology and water system should again become part of the visitor experience. The legibility of the Waddesbroke Valley, the spectacular ridgeline with the jewel on its periphery and the springs, which emerge from the hillside, are all ‘exclamation marks’ in the reading of the landscape. These elements should be enhanced to reinforce the magnificent experience of the Estate.
