Coombe Cottage & Garden

Garden significance:
Coombe Cottage, the garden developed by Dame Nellie Melba in the period 1909-31, is of National significance:

- for the manner in which it provides an evocation of Melba's lifestyle as an operatic singer of outstanding international repute and one who moved in the highest social circles;

- as a fine and intact example of a compartmentalised garden, developed progressively and with input from the owner and several notable garden designers; major features include the encircling hedge, gates and gate lodge, the residence and associated drives, paths, lawns and shrubberies, mature trees, perennial walk, rose garden, vegetable garden, pool and associated buildings;

- for its collection of architecturally distinctive buildings, all major elements in the garden design; these include the residence (and especially its rooftop pergola), entry lodge, garage and stables, pool changing rooms and summer house;

- for its retention of fine examples of garden structures, including gates, pergolas, a sundial, and a pair of stag sculptures;

- for its collection of trees and plants representative of the inter-war period, including the immaculately maintained hedge, roses, exotic trees such as Italian Cypresses, and the avenue of Oaks along the rear drive;

- for its considerable aesthetic appeal derived from many factors including the concept of enclosure on an otherwise open site, the contrast within the garden provided by different compartments (some totally screened and others more open), controlled vistas (both into and out of the garden), mature trees, and the tradition of maintaining the perennial walk;

- for its continued family ownership and the manner in which the property is reverently maintained within the spirit of Melba's design.

It is known that Nellie melba was acquainted with William Guilfoyle and that he offered to design a garden for her and stylistically parts of the garden reflect his style. His desgin would date from 1910. During the 1920's, Edna Wallingmanaged the garden for Melba and supervised several changes. The association of the garden with these 3 people, give the garden a place in social and garden history significance.

Classified: 09/05/1980
File note 28/06/2012: G13125(Coombe Cottage Garden) amalgamated & filed with B1381

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees

Category

House