The National Trust (NT) has announced the official completion of work on a 'major phase' of the restoration of historic structures at Hidcote Manor garden in Gloucestershire.

A newly-restored semi-tropical plant house and a bathing pool are among the features to be unveiled following a ten-year programme of work, which has cost around £3.5m. An anonymous donor matched the NT's fundraising efforts up to £1.6m to help fund work on the garden, which was created by US-born Major Lawrence Johnston.

Hidcote head gardener Glyn Jones said: "Visitors will be able to imagine Johnston and his guests enjoying the gardens, tennis courts and bathing pool back in the 1920s, 30s and 40s as they wander around." Mike Calnan, head of gardens and parks at the NT, added: "[Hidcote is] of particular importance to the Trust because it is the first property acquired purely on merit for its garden."

Image: Matt Gibson