Alfred Bourne, underwriter of Augusta National, left estate, gardens on Milledge Road

Alfred Bourne, underwriter of the Augusta National Golf Club, left his beauty mark in Augusta.

His Dutch Colonial-style, white stucco house, called Morningside, is on Milledge Road across from the Augusta Country Club. Bourne purchased it in 1920 from the home’s original owner, Francis Herron Denny.

Lucien and Cass Williams, the current owners, said the estate has undergone transformations but retained important elements of its history.

It was situated on six acres of farm land when Denny built the house, designed by Harry Ten Eych Wendell, in 1909. He added a garden behind the house, using plants from Fruitland Nurseries, which later became the site of Augusta National.

Bourne expanded the estate to 30 acres and commissioned acclaimed garden designer Rose Standish Nichols to beautify the grounds, the Williams said. Azaleas, camellias, magnolias, Lady Banksiae roses and other flowers were planted. There were blue slate walkways, granite steps, statues, iron gates and fountains.

Bourne’s wife, Louise, was a member of the Sand Hills Garden Club, according to The Augusta Chronicle archives. She frequently opened her gardens to the public for tours and was host for parties and teas.

Bourne later sold half his property before selling the home in 1952 to Henry Burt Garrett, who deeded land to his sons and reduced the garden size.

In 1966, Lucien Williams Sr. and his wife, Frances, also a member of Sand Hills Garden Club, bought the estate. The gardens were preserved for years until they became more difficult to manage as the couple grew older.

The estate was vacant for two years before their son and his wife purchased it. The Williamses have worked to restore and modify the gardens and the 2.5-acre property.

Some of the original Fruitland plants remain in the backyard.