The Backwards Garden

Last year, through the generosity of the Hearin-Chandler Foundation, Bellingrath Gardens & Home received a major grant of $50,000. This support has enabled us to begin the restoration of the Summer House, a historic garden structure, to a new state of condition and appearance.

Discovering the Summer House

If you don’t know what or where the Summer House is, please take time on your next visit to Bellingrath to walk around Mirror Lake. On its northwest side, you will find a small roofed structure – a shelter from the sun and weather – with bluestone paving for the floor and iron lace columns.

Historial Significance

This structure, dating back to our founder’s time, is a borrowed feature inspired by ones seen by Mr. and Mrs. Bellingrath in their travels to European gardens in 1927. Historically, these structures were intended for guests to relax after journeying through large estate gardens. Some summerhouses in these European gardens were designed as follies – historic and often whimsical architectural creations.

Our Summer House, while not whimsical in its design, evokes historical echoes of Mobile’s past with its proportions, dimensions, hip-roofed structure, and ironwork.

Current Condition and Restoration Needs

Today, the Summer House needs significant repair and restoration:

Roof Replacement: The asphalt-shingled roof, although historically existing, is not appropriate for the original structure. We intend to replace it with a metal roof similar to the one atop the Bellingrath Home’s west veranda.
Wooden Components: The roof eaves are partially rotted and damaged from wildlife.
Iron Lace Metalwork: The iron lace metalwork has corroded at the bases where they are set in concrete. The concrete perimeter where the columns were installed has pocked over time.
Structural Integrity: Some iron lace panel inserts within the horizontal railings have fallen out due to deteriorating welds.

Clearly, this important structure needs some love.

Restoration Journey

Initial Observations and Planning

Three years ago, it was observed that the Summer House needed repairs. In August 2021, Bellingrath engaged the services of WAS Design of Mobile to envision a restored and newly inspired look for this structure.

Design Changes

Several major changes were decided upon:

Open Ceiling: Opening up the ceiling to the rafters to make it feel more spacious.
Comfortable Outdoor Furniture: Introducing more comfortable outdoor furniture.

Engineering and Finalizing Plans

Last fall, after receiving support from the Hearin-Chandler Foundation, we re-engaged WAS to bring the 2021 conceptual designs forward. A mechanical engineer assessed the iron lace, particularly the corrosion, and other issues. Due to the complexities of structural integrity, wind firmness, and roof ventilation, the project was passed to TAG (The Architect Group) in Mobile.

Moving Forward

We are now in the process of finalizing our plans and hope to begin construction and restoration work soon. Stay tuned for the excitement, all thanks to the generous support of the Hearin-Chandler Foundation.

The restoration of the Summer House is more than just a project; it’s a revival of our history and a tribute to the timeless beauty of Bellingrath Gardens & Home. We invite you to witness this transformation and enjoy the renewed elegance of this historic structure.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in Bellingrath Gardens & Home.