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Goddards Green

Gardens of about 7 acres, surrounding beautiful 500+yr old clothier’s hall (not open), laid out in 1920s and redesigned since 1992 to combine traditional and modern planting schemes. fountain and rill, water garden, fern garden, mixed borders of bulbs, perennials, shrubs, trees and exotics; birch grove, grass border, pond, kitchen garden, meadows, arboretum and mature orchard; 2 wild acres.

Owner Info

Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green
Goddards Green

About Goddards Green

Goddards Green is listed grade II* and belonged to one of the principal clothier families of Cranbrook, the Courthopes, for more than 400 years, before it was sold in the 1920s to the novelist and playwright, Temple Thurston. It is likely that the the earliest surviving features of the garden, notably the Water Garden, date from his ownership. Later the property was owned for many years by the Pearson family who planted many scented roses which remain in the garden. The present design of the garden has evolved since John and Linde Wotton bought Goddards Green in 1992. Garden designers Edward and Nicky Flint created in the 1990s the Fountain Garden (linked by a rill to the Water Garden), Swimming Pool Garden, Fern Garden and several new borders. The gardens surround the house and extend to about 7 acres, including an arboretum, a mature apple, plum, cherry and nut orchard and a wilderness. Although it is very close to Cranbrook, the setting of the garden is utterly rural, looking over fields to woods in the distance. The planting is an extremely varied mix of bulbs, perennials, shrubs, trees, hedges, ferns, grasses and exotics. We try to make it interesting every day of the year. The various parts of the garden are in contrasting styles, among them: rural informality around the pond; a traditional long border, shading into a meadow and birch grove; formality of structure in the Water Garden and Fountain Garden; and a distinctively modern design, featuring grasses and willows, around the swimming pool and vegetable garden. We have planted an avenue of flowering cherries in the arboretum, increased the area managed as meadow and are now managing two acres as a ‘wilderness’. We try to be environmentally responsible and use almost no pesticides or herbicides. We feel that the garden as a whole suits the ancient, timber-framed house which sits in its midst. The house is not open, but is lovely to look at!

Location details

Goddards Green,
Cranbrook,
Kent,
TN17 3LR

Directions to Goddards Green
On W of Angley Rd. (A229) at junction with High St, opp War Memorial.

Goddards Green openings

This garden has now completed its National Garden Scheme openings for this year.

Accessibility

  • Some slopes and steps, but most areas (though not the toilets) are wheelchair accessible. Disabled parking is reserved near the house.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Yes, coaches are accepted at Goddards Green. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Goddards Green. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Yes, one or more routes at Goddards Green are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Goddards Green seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.