Since Saxon times, the stone built village of Bourton-on-the-Hill has hugged the Cotswold escarpment. Built on monastic lands, Bourton House with its Brewhouse, Stables and Coach House have created a courtyard since the late 16th century.

The Tithe barn preserves the dedication stone of 1570 with the initials RP for the then owner Richard Palmer. It has been classified as a Grade I listed building.

The house itself was rebuilt as a foursquare Jacobean house by the eminent lawyer, Sir Nicholas Overbury in 1598. At the beginning of the 18th century, the unfashionable house was once again rebuilt on the earlier footprint by Alexander Popham, the grandson of a Cromwellian general. The house was taken down to its lower ground floor, the whimsical towers retained, the slits replaced by generous Georgian sash windows. The architect remains unknown. This setting has remained unchanged for three hundred years.

The lands originally belonging to the manor were sold in 1851 by Sir James Buller East MP, to the neighbouring Sezincote estate. Today the house is surrounded by its immediate 3 acre garden and a seven acre walled pasture, now given over to specimen trees and sculpture.

In 1953 the house and land were sold at auction and there followed a quick succession of owners, 6 to be exact, until 1983 when the house was acquired by Richard and Monique Paice.

The ornamental garden with its 18th century raised walk overlooking rolling hills; its original kitchen garden and orchard have been transformed in the past 25 years and this achievement was recognised when Bourton House Garden received the prestigious HHA/Christie's GARDEN OF THE YEAR (2006) award.

In 2010, the house was sold. The new owners have decided to keep the Garden open to the public and continue the work initiated by Monique and Richard Paice with the active help of Head Gardener Paul Nicholls who has worked for many years to turn vision into reality and create the wonderful garden seen today.