Winterbourne was built in 1903 for John and Margaret Nettlefold, in Arts and Crafts style. The garden were designed by Margaret Nettlefold, inspired by the books and garden designs of Gertrude Jekyll. The house was later owned by John MacDonald Nicholson. Nicholson died in 1944 and bequeathed the property to the University of Birmingham, becoming the University's botanic garden.

Following restoration, the garden was Grade II listed by English Heritage in 2008. The house and garden are now open to the public.