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Landscape design has always been a focus of attention since feudal times, from monasteries to castles, fortresses, and palaces. In the 17th century, castle architecture boomed, with elaborate constructions and large-scale designs being encouraged. Therefore, landscape design became even more important and has been continuously maintained and restored up to the modern era.
Adare Manor - Limerick, Ireland
Adare Manor, built in the Gothic style, recently reopened. The 840-acre estate is part of the largest restoration project of this architectural style in Ireland. The landscape design was led by the architectural firm Reardon Smith, focusing on the chapel and the walled gardens.
Attention was also paid to the addition and maintenance of botanical gardens, parklands, and surrounding woodlands around the estate. The entire project included a total of 177 botanical gardens, 2,675 woodland trees, 100,000 shrubs, and over 500 valuable ornamental plants.
Ashford Castle - County Mayo, Ireland
Formerly owned by the Guinness family in the 19th century, this castle sits on 350 acres of land on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, and is now part of the Red Carnation hotel group. It was once the first falconry and training facility in Europe.
The gardens within Ashford Castle, known as Tollman Gardens, were unveiled in late 2016 – formerly known as Sunken Gardens. The garden entrance has now been significantly widened for easier access for visitors.
Beau-Rivage Palace - Lausanne, Switzerland
Situated on 10 acres of private land next to Lake Geneva with the majestic Alps as a backdrop, the castle has now been transformed into an impressive and attractive resort for tourists.
The garden is the burial place of Coco Chanel's dog – the founder of the famous Chanel fashion brand. The palace, open since 1861, features a collection of seasonal plants and unique Swiss sculptures.
Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle - Maincy, France
With gardens designed by the renowned landscape architect André le Nôtre, this castle is widely recognized as the precursor to the Versailles park, part of the royal estate of the same name. Vaux-le-Vicomte features classical Baroque architecture, typical of the architecture of the Louis XIV era.
The landscape includes a large garden containing numerous water basins, canals, fountains, and gravel paths. On Christmas Day, the cathedral here is decorated in a magnificent and extravagant manner, considered one of the most expensive in the world.
Château du Grand-Lucé Hotel - Loire Valley, France
The castle covers an area of 45,000 square meters.2This neoclassical-style castle is located in the picturesque Loire Valley of France (just an hour's train ride from Paris). Beyond the opulence of the limestone castle are stunning gardens, with elegant pathways, a swimming pool, greenhouses, and a large number of the most lush oak trees in France.
The hotel is owned by Marcy Holthus, who is also the owner of the famous Washington School House in the United States. Château du Grand-Lucé has now been restored and renovated both inside and out by Paul Allen Design.
Botanical garden at Cliveden House - England
Nicknamed the Versailles of the United Kingdom, Cliveden House is located in rural Berkshire (an hour's drive from London). It boasts a beautiful garden on 37 hectares of National Trust land.
This 350-year-old castle was commissioned by the Duke of Buckingham II. The original landscape has been restored, including a swimming pool, a green maze, and the Parterre botanical gardens overlooking the River Thames.
Sanssouci Summer Palace - Potsdam, Germany
Another Versailles-like park in Germany is the Sanssouci Palace, commissioned by Frederick the Great in the 18th century. Sanssouci boasts stunning hillside landscapes with Rococo-style gardens and vegetable patches, along with unique terraced vineyards.
To restore its original function, designer Ferdinand von Arnim renovated the palace courtyard with a terraced system of trees, a Baroque-style landscaped garden, and a greenhouse for growing tropical fruits. Marble statues at the foot of the fountain create a magnificent and majestic beauty.
The garden in Jardim das Portas do Sol-Santarém park, Portugal
Nestled within the ancient walls of an Arabian castle, this park boasts views of the Tejo River, villages, fields, and ancient Roman ruins. More than just a historical landmark, the park is a source of pride and a favorite destination for both the Portuguese people and royalty.
This garden attracts millions of tourists every year, thanks to its beauty and historical landmarks such as the majestic statue of King Afonso Henriques I of Portugal.
