Winterbourne House and Garden is a unique heritage attraction – a rare surviving example of an early 20th century suburban villa set within seven acres of beautiful botanic gardens at the University of Birmingham. Winterbourne is home to beautiful antiques and over 6,000 plant species from around the world. The house was built in 1903 for John and Margaret Nettlefold, of Guest, Keen & Nettlefold.
Both the house and garden follow the style of the Arts & Crafts movement with examples of local craftsmanship throughout. The house has large airy corridors and south facing rooms designed to make maximum use of the sunlight.
John MacDonald Nicolson was the last private owner of the house and, following his death in 1944, he bequeathed the house and garden to the University. The garden became the University’s Botanic Garden and new areas for teaching and plant conservation were developed within the historic layout. The garden today is still used by students but is also open to the public to be enjoyed by everyone.
This film looks at how modern technologies and historical interpretation are used to show visitors what life was like in the house during the 20th century.
For more information about Winterbourne House and Garden, visit: www.winterbourne.org.uk