Site Event/Activity record EEM14292 - 2014: TS - Ashcombe

A metric survey of the historic landscape features at White Rock Cottage and the south part of Ashcombe has recorded the remains of John Knight’s designed landscape associated with Simonsbath House. Some of the features may date from 17th and 18th centuries when Simonsbath Farm was the only documented settlement on Exmoor Forest. Two of the gardens mentioned in documents of the 1830s have been located: the layout of the Garden by the River is clear and many garden features are evident; part of White Rock Garden also survives. White Rock Cottage, the Tool Shed and the Grotto were part of this designed landscape and formed a focal point for both the Garden by the River and for White Rock Garden, which were both approached by terraced walks and paths from Simonsbath House. The terraced walks in Ashcombe were part of John Knight’s original plan for a formal landscape setting for Simonsbath House. They may also have provided the opportunity to enjoy views of the wider Exmoor landscape around Simonsbath.