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Our history
From family home to living legacy
Winterbourne is a rare surviving example of an early 20th century suburban villa and garden. The house was built in 1904 for John and Margaret Nettlefold, of local manufacturing powerhouse Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds.
The Nettlefolds: A tale of Birmingham Edwardian history
Originally designed as a small country estate with rustic outbuildings and large gardens, Winterbourne followed the style of the Arts and Crafts movement with examples of local craftsmanship throughout the house. John was a pioneer of town planning, who carried the ideas seen in his own home to the less wealthy areas of the city. Margaret designed the garden, inspired by the books and garden designs of influential horticulturalist Gertude Jekyll.
After the Nettlefolds
The Nettlefolds sold Winterbourne in 1919, to Harry Wheelock, a Birmingham-based lawyer. Whilst we don’t have much documentation about the Wheelock’s time at Winterbourne, we know that his nine children enjoyed games of tennis on the lawn and exploring the gardens.
John Nicolson, the last private owner, purchased the house in 1925 after falling in love with the grounds. A keen gardener himself, Nicolson developed many new areas, including a scree garden and small alpine features around the site. Nicolson died in 1944 and bequeathed the house and garden to University of Birmingham.
The University years
Under the University’s ownership, Winterbourne became an annex to University House, providing accommodation for female students. The garden became the University’s botanic garden, and new areas for teaching and plant conservation were developed within the historic layout. The house later became home to the Department of Extra Mural Studies and Lifelong Learning, followed by the final occupants, Birmingham Business School.
A new lease of life
Throughout the 2000s, the renewed focus of a dedicated team transformed the site, restoring areas of the house and garden, whilst also developing the plant collection. In 2008, the garden was awarded a Grade II listing and recognised as a Garden of Importance, and the house attained Museum accreditation in 2017. The University recognised the rich history and interest of the site, making Winterbourne a heritage site open for all to enjoy today.
Experience Winterbourne’s unique Edwardian splendour
