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Athelhampton House Gardens

Athelhampton is a fine and calm fifteenth century manor house with an Arts and Crafts garden, made after 1891. Designed by Reginald Blomfield and F Inigo Thomas, it is one of the best examples of the style recommended in The Formal Garden in England, which was illustrated by Thomas. The Great Court has 12 yew pyramids; a terrace with two summerhouses overlooks a canal; there is a sunken lawn with a pool. In all, there are nine garden courts.

Head Gardener's Comment

Athelhampton is one of the finest 15thC manor-houses and is surrounded by one of the great architectural gardens of England. The house contains many finely furnished rooms including The Great Hall, Great Chamber, wine cellar. The Gallery in the west wing exhibits works by the Russian artist Marevna who lived at the house in the 1940/50s. The grade I listed garden, dating from c1891, is full of vistas and gains much from the fountains and River Piddle flowing through. The walled gardens include the world famous tulips, roses, magnolias, clematis and lilies and also a 15thC dovecot and boardwalk along the banks of the River Piddle. Winner of 1997 Christies' Garden of the Year Award.

Photograph © Oxford Botanica/Adam Hodge
Photograph © Oxford Botanica/Adam Hodge
Photograph © Oxford Botanica/Adam Hodge
Photograph © Oxford Botanica/Adam Hodge
Photograph © Athelhampton House
Photograph © Athelhampton House
Photograph © Athelhampton House

Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, England, DT2 7LG

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