Highcliffe Castle HLF Scheme
Grade 1 Listed Highcliffe Castle and surrounding gardens are one of Dorset’s pre-eminent wedding venues and also a much-loved public open space for the community. A long and turbulent history culminating in the initial restoration of the Castle in the 1990s is now to be followed by further improvements to the building and surrounding landscape. We’re working closely with the Castle Manager as part of the wider design team on proposals to restore parts of the grounds, which have over the years suffered from a lack of investment, and it is hoped to make selected areas publicly accessible for the first time in many years. It is expected that the work will be completed during 2017 – 2018.
“We needed to take a fresh look at the areas under the Council’s management that together formed the gardens and grounds of Highcliffe Castle. To date we are extremely happy with what AS has produced both in her ability to comprehend the site, work with the other professionals in our team, establish the past, empathise with the users and residents and develop plans which are achievable, exciting and sympathetic to the needs of the area. Additionally she has established where car parking can be extended, bringing more revenue and users to the site, without detracting from the Castle’s natural setting.”
Judith Plumley, Head of Community and Leisure at Christchurch and East Dorset Council
“I didn’t expect to be playing in the forest at my age! I have been scratching out lost paths, sliding down banks, looking for lost foundations and working out garden features from 19th century ordnance survey plans as well as looking out old postcards, photos and written references. However Aileen’s enthusiasm and ability has inspired me to do just that.”
Highcliffe Castle Volunteer
