The brilliantly restored St Giles House, in the idyllic Dorset countryside,
offers high-point Georgian architecture and stunning interiors that typify and
bridge many historical styles. Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl
of Shaftesbury, now lives in the house that his family has called home since
the fifteenth century. Having inherited St Giles House in tragic
circumstances, the Earl of Shaftesbury set about its restoration and Conservation
enlisting conservation consultant and surveyor Philip
Hughes for the work on the house and Jane Hurst to revive its neglected gardens.
In recent years his award-winning restoration has brought the house and
grounds back to life, transforming exquisite spaces that honour the past while
being suited to 21c living.
We are a conservation charity working to protect the county's many historic parks and gardens for future generations.
We work with garden owners and local and national bodies to highlight, protect and encourage the conservation and restoration of designed landscapes, ranging from stately homes to public parks, cottage gardens to cemeteries. Principally funded by over 500 members, we run visits, lectures and events where members can share their interest and knowledge in a sociable atmosphere.
Through its research and recording programme, the Trust undertakes and supports research on sites of historic interest, including sites that the Trust has rediscovered, as well as on other related topics. We share knowledge through our Journal and also seek to inspire the gardeners of the future through imaginative projects with schools.