Synopsis
On the top level is the croquet lawn, where in dry weather the remains of a 17th century parterre can be seen. On the next level is the Italianate garden laid out by Mrs Ethel Labouchere in her husband’s memory in the 1920s, a formal garden of clipped yews, grottoes, stone birds, animals and fountains. Below the summer house are 17th century fish ponds. An orangery was added by Victor Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich’s father, who created the wild garden with its wonderful specimen shrubs and trees in the 1950s. All surrounded by the intimate, romantic countryside of west Dorset with its steep sided coombes, woods and streams. In winter frost reveals the formal structure of clipped yews and box, terraces, stone and water. An enchanting place full of example for anyone who wants an interesting winter garden.
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