The gardens are stunning with a wealth of interesting features set within a ha-ha (sunken wall). Although obviously at their best during the summer months, there is always something of interest to enjoy throughout the year. For weddings they make a magical backdrop for truly memorable photographs. For other parties they are a delight simply for roaming in. For lectures, meetings, exhibitions etc they provide a relaxing and pleasant space for breaks between sessions. The house is approached through the very private drive with woodland on one side and mature trees on the other. The gardens are set within their own parkland so that for almost as far as the eye can see becomes the client’s exclusive world for the day. The rose garden nestles invitingly behind the pleached limes with the lily pond in the centre. The wisteria arbour provides a colourful backdrop in May. The sunken Italian garden contains a plethora of roses and flowering shrubs – a dream of colour in summer months graduating to Autumn yellows and oranges. The apple pergola (above) makes a romantic setting for photographs. It is licenced for Civil Ceremonies and has also been used for a blessing. The golden laburnum walk provides an enchanting ‘aisle’ for a newly married couple. For those who feel like a stroll, the woodland dell has the original Victorian winding paths fashioned in the manner of an amphitheatre. The kitchen garden is contemporary with the house. Its original brick walls and 18th century box edged beds make an attractive setting but still fulfil their original purpose of providing produce for the house. After dark, the front of the house is floodlit and this extends the enjoyment of the house – croquet has been played on the lawn after dinner! The gardens are listed in the Daily Telegraph Good Garden Guide and are open for the National Gardens Scheme each year. They are not normally open to the public but parties can visit by arrangement.