English Heritage has appointed a new manager and head gardener at Witley Court & Gardens in Worcestershire.
The charity announced that Edoardo Bedin and Mark Pardey have assumed the roles.
Mr Bedin joined the charity in December, drawing on his extensive experience in the heritage sector and a background in archaeology.
Prior to English Heritage, he held roles at the National Trust’s Sutton House and 575 Wandsworth Road, as well as the National Trust for Scotland’s Haddo House, Glenfinnan Monument and Pollok House.
Mr Bedin also worked at the National Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, Croatia, and participated in archaeological excavations throughout Europe.
In January, Mr Pardey took up his role.
He brings a wealth of head gardener experience from private estates and public parks across Berkshire and London.
His knowledge of horticulture was honed through the prestigious Kew Diploma and working with landscape designer Dan Pearson at Folly Farm in Berkshire.
Witley Court was one of the grandest estates in the country before a devastating fire in 1937 left it in ruins.
Yet, the beautiful formal gardens have been partially restored to their Victorian splendour.
In 2003, English Heritage restored Witley Court’s unique Perseus and Andromeda fountain, which now operates hourly during the peak visitor season.
Mr Bedin said: "For me, Witley Court perfectly blends the beauty of the UK and Italy.
"Working here amongst Italianate architecture, I have a wonderful feeling of being close to my native country.
"I’m proud to join English Heritage to help preserve and promote the history of this site for present and future generations and I want to ensure that local communities enjoy this magical place.
"Please stop by soon and don’t forget to ask us about how to become members or even volunteers."
Mr Pardey added: "Taking on the role at Witley Court was driven by my personal connection to the property.
"I’ve been visiting this beautiful place for two decades and jumped at the opportunity to be part of its story.
"It would be fantastic to restore more of the gardens in the future."
English Heritage opened Witley Court & Gardens to the public daily from March 20.
To book tickets, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.
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