Somerset Houses & Gardens

Set in 2.5 acres, this steep, terraced, Italianate garden affords the visitor wonderful views of the valley, especially enjoyed from the casita, loggia and cloisters. Steeped in history, a visit to the beautiful, Italianate gardens is often described as like stepping into another world.

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Tucked away at the bottom of a tranquil valley, a visit to the romantic, award-winning, Grade 1 listed Iford Manor Garden is like no other. Famed Edwardian landscape designer Harold Peto designed the unique, Italiante, Grade 1 listed gardens when Iford Manor was his home, from 1899-1933. Drawing inspiration from his travels all around the world, the garden blends Italian, Byzantine, Ancient Roman and Oriental garden designs together with architecture and classical sculpture.
 
Over the past 50 years today’s owners, the Cartwright-Hignett family, have lovingly restored the garden and continued to develop it, finishing the Oriental Garden area, extending the woodland walks and redesigning areas of the garden as they age, 100 years after Peto’s original plantings. Our new Head Gardener Steve Lannin (who until joining us, was Head Gardener at Mapperton, the Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2020) will be working closely with the family to continue this.
 
Paths twist and turn around ancient statues, columns, terraces and architecture which, combined with ebullient planting schemes, draw you on in anticipation of the next delight. After each step a new view is revealed, allowing visitors to marvel in the clever nature and beauty of the design. Steeped in history and located on the last hill of the Cotswolds, with the Wiltshire/ Somerset border running through the garden itself, visitors often say a visit to Iford Manor Garden was like stepping into another, timeless world.
Regularly providing design inspiration to many, the garden often features in international publications and in film, most recently in ‘The Secret Garden’ (2020). A visit to Iford Manor Gardens should leave you feeling refreshed, uplifted and inspired.

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