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The first recorded settlement at what is now known as Hole Park was by Henry de Hole in about 1278. There followed the construction of no less than four substantially different houses on the same site.
Hole Park has been owned by the Barham family for the past four generations since 1911, the present Queen Anne house was reconstructed for David and Catherine Barham in 1959 and is occupied today by Clare and Edward Barham.
The gardens are tucked away in the weald of Kent between the pretty village of Rolvenden and the charming town of Cranbrook. The privately owned 15 acre garden is set in over 200 acres of superb parkland and was originally laid out and planted by Colonel Barham great grandfather of the present owner.
Formal gardens surround the house. The walls and yew hedges, which are a particular feature of Hole Park, shelter broad expanses of lawns. Clipped entirely by hand, it is claimed that nowhere in the county can yews be seen trimmed to greater precision. The fountain and swimming pools, egg pond, walled rose garden, herbaceous borders and wrought iron gates all contribute to make a series of gardens within a garden united by the lawns, whilst outwards there are lovely views of the Weald over the surrounding 220 acres of finely timbered parkland.
At the rear of the house beyond a beech hedge measuring six feet thick and twelve feet high lies the 'Policy' and woodland garden - massed with daffodils in April - with its heathers, flowering trees and shrubs, banks of rhododendrons and azaleas.
Amongst the trees can be seen collections of birch, juniper, cupresses and fine oaks. Rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias and primulas are all here in quantity, as are the carpet of bluebells in early May.
Hole park is situated off the A262 / A229 near Cranbrook in Kent.
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