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Iford Manor Gardens

Harold Peto's former home, this 2½ acre terraced garden provides timeless inspiration. Influenced by his travels, particularly to Italy and Japan, Peto embellished the garden with a collection of classical statuary and architectural fragments. Steep steps link the terraces with pools, fountains, loggias, colonnades, urns and figures, with magnificent rural views across the Iford Valley.

Owner Info

Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens
Iford Manor Gardens

About Iford Manor Gardens

From its origins in the wool industry, through Georgian gentrification, then Peto’s Edwardian structures, and right up to the present period, the passion of Iford’s inhabitants and its history are inextricably bound up in the Grade 1 listed garden’s unique design.

Today, Iford’s story continues to be written in this secluded corner of ‘Olde England’ with a new generation of owners taking the garden forward.

The structural design seen today was largely created by Harold Peto, who lived at Iford from 1899-1933. A man of exquisite taste, with a talent for placing objects sympathetically to their surroundings, he designed gardens for royalty and aristocracy around the world. His main patrons were the then Countess of Warwick and Isabella Stewart-Gardner.

Influenced mainly by his love of Roman, Italian and Japanese design, he was a promoter of the renaissance period and had a strong influence on the Arts and Crafts period. Striking the balance between formal and informal gardening, between soft planting and hard structure, Harold Peto’s work was appreciated in writings by Gertrude Jeykll and William Robinson.

During the past 60 years, today’s owners, the Cartwright-Hignett family, have lovingly restored the garden (once thought ‘lost’) 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. The present generation seeks to expand the gardens yet further, whilst refreshing the planting and preserving the heritage within the main garden itself. The gardens are overseen by Head Gardener Steve Lannin.

Steep, narrow 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.

Full of 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 Gardens was like stepping into another, timeless world.

Website:

https://www.ifordmanor.co.uk

Iford Manor Gardens features

Location details

Iford Manor Gardens,
Bradford-on-Avon,
Wiltshire,
BA15 2BA

Directions to Iford Manor Gardens
Off A36, brown tourist sign to Iford 1m. From Bradford-on-Avon or Trowbridge via Lower Westwood Village (brown signs). Pls note all approaches via narrow single track lanes with passing places.

Iford Manor Gardens openings

Pre-booking essential, please contact the garden owner to book.

Admission Adult: £10.00
Child: Free
Opening times 11:00-16:00

Accessibility

  • The garden is on a steeply terraced hillside with many flights of steps, so wheelchair access is limited. Please call for details.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Iford Manor Gardens at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Iford Manor Gardens. 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.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Iford Manor Gardens, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Sorry, Iford Manor Gardens does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

Yes. Iford Manor Gardens 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.