The Garden House

The Garden House has inspired numerous celebrity gardeners over the years and once you step foot in this quiet Devon valley idyll, you'll see why. The garden is actually several gardens in one, rolling across ten acres, all with their own personalities and features. Wide pathways lead you through them all, and there are plenty of benches to stop and enjoy the far-reaching views. Admire the colourful, two-acre walled garden that surrounds the old ruins of Buckland's medieval vicarage, and lose yourself in the billowing, colourful summer garden that is planted in the Dutch, naturalistic style. The cottage garden has been tended by the same gardener for over twenty years and it is a feast for the senses from mid spring. A favourite spot to sit is an oak bench within dry stone walls, hidden head-height amongst thousands of cottage flowers. In late autumn the Acer glade steals the show. Reds, gold, oranges and crimsons are breath-taking and many people travel a long way to enjoy the sight. The arboretum and lake at the other end of the garden are also as pretty as a picture on sunny autumn days. In late May the patio is drenched in wisteria and the scent fills the tea rooms. The patio is a special place to sit and take in the garden with a well-earned slice of homemade cake or to linger over lunch. The gardens also host a range of events across the year from gardening courses to watercolour painting classes (well, what better spot for a little daubing?) Check the website's calendar for more details. By the way, the two-acre arboretum with lake and ornamental bridges makes a for a lovely picnic spot.