To step inside a well-tended greenhouse, whether small and humble or large and decadent, is to be transported. They are filled with growth and promise, alchemy and beauty. The concept of growing plants in environmentally-controlled areas has an ancient history dating back to the Roman Empire. Following a bout of sickness, Roman emperor Tiberius was ordered to eat a cucumber-like vegetable every day, driving gardeners to find more efficient ways of growing food.
Real agricultural innovation however came in the 1450s, when Korea's Joseon dynasty introduced a brilliantly-clever traditional Korean heating system (called ondol) built under the floor to cultivate vegetables in the colder months. Further advances in their development were made in the Netherlands and England in the 17th century.
In 1681, the first stove heated greenhouse in the UK was created at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London, which remains to this day. It was established primarily to grow medicinal plants, thus expanding the purpose beyond simple food cultivation. In the 18th century, with the onset of superior glass-making methods, the design and construction of greenhouses radically improved, and ambition rocketed.The vast, elaborate greenhouse at the Palace of Versailles, built in 1789, is a prime example of luxury and opulence.
This Paris luxury greenhouse set the benchmark in many respects, and huge glass greenhouses began to spring up around stately homes and exhibition centres across Europe and the United States shortly after. Mass usage and popularisation of the greenhouse started in the second half of the 20th century, when production costs dipped and more of them began appearing on small farms and garden centres, before eventually reaching home gardens. Evolution became revolution.
Here is our pick of some of the best luxury greenhouses in the world.
BARBICAN CONSERVATORY, LONDON
Deep in the heart of London, housed within the iconic Barbican Centre, this stunningly serene green escape is an absolute hidden gem. The bustle of the city feels a million miles away here, although it’s just beyond the glass. The verdant greenhouse beautifully juxtaposes with the Brutalist architecture of the Barbican: lush, tropical surroundings with nature choosing its own unpredictable lines and patterns, thrusting forth endlessly thrilling shapes and colour, in contrast to the minimalism and bare materials of the building itself.
It’s not just the eyes that are treated to tranquillity. The Barbican greenhouse, as it’s most commonly known, is filled with the atmospheric sounds of rustling leaves and trickling water from fountains. The layout of the conservatory is agreeably maze-like, with surprising hidden nooks and winding pathways that entice you further into the greenery. More than 2,000 species of plants and trees are housed here, and there is also a pond with koi fish and turtles, adding to the surreal and calming brilliance.
PRIVATE LUXURY GREENHOUSE, VERMONT, USA
Genuine luxury abounds across the 228 acres of this stunning plot in Vermont, which boasts an incredible seven-bedroom residence, a beguiling backstory, and of course – the greenhouse to match.
Firstly, this is the mansion where Ian Fleming - creator of the legendary James Bond - stayed as a guest back in the late 1950s and 60s. Here, Fleming spent summers mining for creative inspiration, which led to several iconic 007 novels such as Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever. He spent a great deal of time in the mature gardens at Black Hole Hollow Farm, and it is only natural to assume he was a regular visitor to the majestic heated greenhouse, which is specifically designed for both growing tropical plants and entertaining. Set amid the manicured grounds, where there are horse riding trails, an outdoor pool, and a waterfall, the grandiose greenhouse has sumptuous terracotta floor tiles and tasteful bamboo detailing with plenty of space for drinks with friends – and perhaps a writing frenzy when they’re gone.
CLOUD FOREST AT GARDENS BY THE BAY, SINGAPORE
‘Greenhouse’ is far too reductive for Cloud Forest in Singapore. This popular attraction is one of the best environmentally-controlled gardens in Asia, if not the world. Set within the futuristic Gardens by the Bay complex, visitors are thrown into an alternate reality: a gloriously misty, tropical world, teeming with exotic plants and architectural beauty.
Inside the dome, the temperature is maintained to mimic the conditions of tropical mountain regions. It is kept at around 23°C (73°F), which provides a refreshing break from the searing Singaporean heat and throws the European concept of hotter inside the greenhouse somewhat on its head. There are regular ‘mistings’, designed to make you feel as though you are walking through an actual forest among the clouds, such is the moisture and haze, while the Treetop Walk provides spectacular views of the plants and the surrounding environment, including the Marina Bay.
Most eye-catching of all, perhaps, is the captivating indoor waterfall. At 30 metres, it’s one of the tallest in the world.
CUSTOM-BUILT PRIVATE GREENHOUSE, NEW JERSEY
Just shy of $13 million, this spectacular detached home on a gated plot of 19 acres really pulls out all the stops on every front - but especially its majestic greenhouse, which is one of the most distinctive private greenhouses in the United States. Green is not only the ethos and function, but it's the actual colour of this antique, ornate greenhouse, which has incredibly striking iron detailing evocative of a Victorian glasshouse.
This greenhouse has both beauty and functionality, set within the landscaped grounds not far from the outdoor swimming pool and conservatory. The house itself is graced with imposing columns at the exterior, while high-end furnishings and elegant chandeliers adorn the interior.
MOORTEN BOTANICAL GARDEN, PALM SPRINGS
Size isn’t everything, and this Californian treasure personifies this sentiment perfectly. Within the Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs, the ‘Cactarium’ is a relatively small but enchanting greenhouse dedicated entirely to showcasing rare and exotic species of cacti and succulents. The selection of plants is wonderfully curated with an array of mesmerising shapes, sizes, and textures, illuminating the beauty and diversity of native desert plants. The intimate greenhouse itself is also utterly charming, with a vintage, rustic, glass-panelled feel that almost takes you back in time. And with that ever-glorious California light filtering in through the roof, casting a soft, sensual glow over the thrilling textures and colours of the eccentric succulents and cacti, it’s also a photographer's dream. Many spend all day here.
Greenhouses, like many of the best things in life, are both functional and frivolous. During the 1700s, George Washington built a greenhouse just to serve pineapple to astonished guests. More than 300 years later, innovative climate-controlled greenhouses are multiplying in order to feed the world. But they are still to be enjoyed, and still a thing of beauty and wonder.
