Stowe Landscape Gardens, which surround the late 17th century Stowe House in Buckinghamshire, date from the early 18th century and are a significant example of the English Garden style. They have been in the care of the National Trust since 1989. The 750 acres of landscaped grounds, which include two main lakes, have 40 listed temples and monuments within them. A number of outstanding designers and architects worked on the gardens in the 18th century, including Charles Bridgeman, John Vanburgh, Capability Brown and James Gibbs.
The Grade I listed country house is the home of Stowe School, which has leased the building since it was founded in 1923. The present house dates from around 1683, when the central part was rebuilt by Sir Richard Temple, 3rd Baronet. The architect was William Cleare, who worked for Sir Christopher Wren. There have been considerable additions over the years under various architects, including Vanbrugh and Robert Adam. The exterior of the house has not been significantly changed since 1779, and the front of the house is over 300 yards wide. A long, straight driveway runs from Buckingham all the way to the front of the house, passing through a 60-foot Corinthian arch on the brow of the hill on the way. The driveway approach to the house is still in use, although it no longer runs through the arch.
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