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In 1751 the 6th Earl of Coventry commissioned Lancelot 'Capability' Brown to redesign his countryseat at Croome. The project took over 30 years and established the principles of the "English Landscape Style" - an idealised vision of nature. The gardens consist of winding shrubberies leading to ornate buildings designed by Robert Adam and James Wyatt. Brown also created an ornamental lake, nearly 2 mile long. The wider parkland offers stunning views of 'eye-catcher' follies. The park later slipped into decline, becoming reclaimed by nature. The National Trust acquired the park in 1996. The completion of the first phase of restoration was celebrated in 2006. Thousands of trees and shrubs have been replanted, the lake dredged, paths reinstated and garden buildings and statues restored. Croome, the first complete creation from one of England's greatest designers, gives visitors a unique opportunity to see a landscape in the making. The National Trust has completed the first phase of restoring wartime sick quarters. The old recovery ward now houses a 1940's style canteen. There's also a new reception area, shop, plant sales and exhibition room.