By the end of the 19th Century, conservatories had become commonplace throughout the British Empire, and elaborately designed buildings decorated the home of anyone who could afford them. It was common to see wealthy businessmen add grand conservatories to their homes and estates - one of which was Frederick John Horniman (1835-1906), whose father had founded Horniman’s Tea Company.

Horniman contracted engineer and entrepreneur John Kibble (1815-1894) to construct an iron and glass conservatory at his estate in Scotland. The conservatory was originally constructed in 1894 for the Horniman family home as a place for family patriarch John Horniman to tend to his rare plants and for his ailing mother to relax amongst the company of gorgeous plants. 

The structure is considered a pioneering example of architectural cast ironwork and how much it could do. In 1981, the glasshouse was dismantled and used for parts to restore the Crystal Palace Park after a fire in 1977. Later in the 1980s, English Heritage funded the reconstruction of the Horniman Conservatory at its initial location on the Horniman’s 16-acre property. 

 Recent renovations include insulation, heating, new lighting, and improved functionality of the space. It is now a popular wedding and special event venue.