Gardens and Gardening
“The Garden of England” may be attributed to Kent but Devon is fortunate to have a number of magnificent gardens, most of which benefit from our mild and temperate climate. These gardens are the result of many years of vision, creativity and investment by their owners. In several cases our enjoyment has resulted from the generosity and benefaction of the owners.
Six miles north of Exeter is Killerton House and garden, home to the Acland family for generations. Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, the 10th baronet, created a landscaped garden to complement the house and reflect his position in society. In 1772 he hired John Veitch who had been inspired by Capability Brown at Luscombe Castle and Saltram House. Sir Thomas and John Veitch worked together to create an arboretum and a nursery. This partnership sent plant hunters across the globe to source fine specimens of camellia, magnolia and rhododendrons.
In 1944 Sir Richard Acland, the 15th baronet, gave Killerton House, the garden and estate to The National Trust.
Little Dorweeke sits between Silverton and Butterleigh, not far from Killerton House. A Grade 2 seven bedroom longhouse believed to date back to the 1400s. Sitting in delightful gardens opened under The National Gardens Scheme, with a tributary running into the River Burn, tennis court, swimming pool. A dream of a property yet accessible for Blundell’s School, the M5 and Exeter. Strutt and Parker (01392 215631) are the agents.
In West Devon, near Tavistock, Lionel and Katherine Fortescue established a garden at The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum. The Garden House is today considered by many to be one of the finest gardens in the South West.
By 1961 they had created the Fortescue Garden Trust, a charity to which they bequeathed the house and garden to secure its future and to provide sensational colour throughout the seasons.
Just a mile or so away Byleat House, Yelverton offered through Mansbridge Balment (01822 855055) - an updated four bedroom 1920s family house retaining its period features in 0.5 acre stunning gardens opened for charity each year.
Rosemoor, near Great Torrington in North Devon, the former home of the Earls of Orford. Lady Anne Palmer, daughter of the fifth earl, created a garden in the Torridge valley donating Rosemoor and about 100 acres to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1988. The garden is open throughout the year, has a number of national plant collections and trains young gardeners through its apprenticeship scheme.
Over the hills from Rosemoor is Cleave Farm, Yarnscombe. Enjoying complete privacy, stunning views and no near neighbours, a long drive approach leads to a magical setting, with formal gardens, woodland and pasture extending to 4.4 acres. Jackson Stop (01271 325153) have the details.
So, for garden lovers Devon is perfect, whether visiting the amazing houses for inspiration or just pure enjoyment. We should be very grateful to these generous and far sighted owners who have enabled so many Devonians and visitors to enjoy these gardens today. At the end of the day you return home relaxed and inspired -- “it’s all about coming home”.