Water Terrace Gardens, West Terrace

Water Terrace Gardens, located on West Terrace, were designed by Achille Duchene for the Ninth Duke of Marlborough between 1925 and 1930. The gardens are enclosed by limestone ashlar walls, featuring steps at both the north and south ends. A tall wall to the east is adorned with rusticated pilasters and walls that border the steps leading up to the upper East Terrace. This wall also includes a central row of caryatids flanking rusticated niches, which have vasques that create miniature cascades.

The gardens feature two square ponds with limestone ashlar retaining walls. The northern pool houses the original Bernini Fountain, while the southern pool contains a copy of it. Large decorative earthenware urns are positioned at the corners of the pools and alongside the north and south steps.

To the east of the pools, a low wall includes three sets of steps that lead to a raised walkway adjoining the East Terrace. The central steps are flanked by sphinxes created by W. Ward Willis in 1930, which represent the Ninth Duke's second wife, alongside lead statuettes of angels on fluted Doric columns. The side steps are similarly flanked by angels and cloaked putti holding swags.

Lead statues on limestone ashlar pedestals at the north-east and north-west corners of the terrace depict warriors with swords and shields. Additionally, limestone ashlar garden seats are supported on console brackets. Blenheim Park, where the gardens are located, is listed in the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission Register of Parks and Gardens at Grade I.