Our Borde Hill Family

Borde Hill has been owned by the same family for almost 130 years

The Garden was the vision of Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke for more than fifty years. Since then, three generations of his descendants have reshaped and developed the Estate. The family acts as custodians to ensure the Garden thrives and continues to inspire future generations.

Borde Hill is a place of plantspeople – from gardeners and growers to volunteers and the friendly faces you meet throughout your visit. A devoted team – our wider family – work behind the scenes to make it all possible and we couldn’t do it without them.

Mr and Mrs Stephenson Clarke, in front of the Elizabethan House. Image: Jim Holden

Andrewjohn & Eleni Stephenson Clarke

For more than thirty years, Jay and Harry’s parents Andrewjohn and Eleni worked tirelessly to plan for the future of the Garden, while conserving the past. They struck a balance between tending a collection of vital importance to botanists – Borde Hill features many plant species not found elsewhere in Britain – and providing year-round interest for the visiting public.

They reinstated the perennial planting of Colonel Clarke’s Edwardian flower garden around the House and commissioned work from Chelsea medal-winning designers. Their achievement has been to safeguard the integrity of Borde Hill and its collection while ensuring its relevance for the future.

Jay Goddard (née Stephenson Clarke) and Harry Stephenson Clarke

Brother and Sister, Harry and Jay are the fifth generation of Stephenson Clarke’s to be taking the reigns as custodians of Borde Hill. Having grown up at Borde Hill, they have experienced first-hand the balance and tranquillity to be found across the Estate. Together they have an ambitious vision for the future which seeks to protect Borde Hill’s nationally important collection of flora and fauna for generations to come, while building an aspirational brand which continues to hold nature, sustainability and community at its core.

Before stepping into her role as Managing Director of Borde Hill, Jay spent 20 years working for the world’s biggest brands Nike and Apple, leading PR campaigns across the UK and Europe. This next chapter of returning to her roots and building a sustainable future for Borde Hill, is one she is driving with passion and flair.

With a background in product design, architecture and construction, Harry’s focus is on the infrastructure of the wider Estate. Looking at technologies and sustainable practices that will maintain, restore and protect the historic buildings and Garden for generations to come, he plays a valuable role in guiding the future direction.

Jay Goddard (née Stephenson Clarke) and Harry Stephenson Clarke

Harry Baldwin, Head of Horticulture

Harry Baldwin joined the Borde Hill family in 2021 as Head of Horticulture after spending three years as the Taxonomist and Dendrologist of the Arboretum at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Harry now leads our wonderful team of three full-time gardeners, two-part time and volunteers. Harry oversees the curation and development of Borde Hill Garden and its historic tree collection and between them the team maintain 35 acres (14 ha) and oversee some of the collections in the wider 200 acres (81 ha) of Parkland open to the public.

Book
Tickets

The Garden is open 10am-5pm, daily.

Day Tickets pre-booked online at least a day before your visit receive a £1 online discount.

Book Tickets

Discover the Possibilities

A family next to the water feature in the Rose Garden at Borde Hill during summer.

Become a Member

Membership is your ticket to enjoy unlimited access to the Garden, Parkland and Woodland throughout the open season. Our members also receive free entry to a number of exciting events, from live music in the Garden to Specialist Plant Fairs and much more. Family Membership provides unlimited access to the Adventure Playground and free school holiday trails.

Our Garden & Grounds

Set within 383 acres of heritage listed Parkland, our formal Garden captivates and delights visitors with a series of intimate 'Garden rooms'. Beyond the formal Garden you can explore Woodland walks, the South Park and our lakes with outstanding views across the Sussex High Weald.

Support Us

As a small, independent Garden Charity, we rely on your kind generosity to help fund our projects and to continue to grow sustainably, protecting our natural heritage for generations to come. 'Reinventing Borde Hill' is our most ambitious project to date and your support will help us to achieve exciting plans to benefit our local community.

It would make a huge difference if you would consider supporting us by making a donation – thank you.