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Ransomes

A two acre country garden with a focus on biodiversity. The colourful cottage garden leads to a meadow and young tree shelter belt. Wildflower meadows, dead hedging, log piles and a large lily pond create a haven for wildlife. An orchard, soft-fruit garden, an apiary and a productive vegetable garden with greenhouse and potting shed provide both homegrown produce and a plant nursery for the garden.

Owner Info

Ransomes
Ransomes
Ransomes
Ransomes
Ransomes
Ransomes
Ransomes
Ransomes
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Ransomes

About Ransomes

Andrew and Nicky Ellis bought Ransomes in 2001, when the seventeenth century farmhouse and garden had been empty for over two years. The grounds were wildly overgrown, with brambles swallowing the old orchard, an assortment of outbuildings in disrepair, and even a derelict caravan which, once removed, revealed a now thriving fig tree. The original orchard trees were in poor condition, but many have since been replaced, while keeping the character of the orchard alive. The farmhouse itself was once called Quintons, before being renamed in the nineteenth century after its then-owner, John Ransom.

Over more than two decades, the garden has been steadily transformed. Some outbuildings have gone, others have been added, and a cottage garden now frames the house with colour and scent. After the pandemic, a generous seating terrace was created, nestling between cottage borders with a water feature as its centrepiece – a favourite spot for visitors to pause and enjoy the planting.

In 2007, the purchase of adjoining land allowed the garden to expand and evolve with nature in mind. A large pond with a small island, wildflower meadows, and a new shelterbelt now bring greater biodiversity and help soften the prevailing south-westerly winds. Dead hedging provides both wildlife habitat and protection for young trees, while the meadow is being gently managed to encourage its natural development. Rustic chestnut benches provide plenty of places to sit, rest and just take in the surroundings. If you’re quiet you might even spot one of the resident water voles around the pond.

Most recently, a working area has been added, giving the garden the space it needs to keep growing and changing. Today, Ransomes is a garden of contrasts, from the intimacy of cottage beds to wide open meadow, hedges, trees and water, where history, restoration, and a love of nature come together.

Website:

https://www.essexguesthouse.co.uk

Ransomes features

Location details

Ransomes,
Wigborough Road,
Colchester,
Essex,
CO5 7RA

Directions to Ransomes
On the Wigborough Rd on the outskirts of Peldon (3rd house on R as you enter the village). What3words app: storming.lakes.breakfast.

Ransomes openings

Visit by Arrangement

This garden opens for By Arrangement visits from May to 11 September for groups of between 10 and 30.

Please contact the garden owner to discuss your requirements and arrange a date for a group or bespoke visit.

Refreshments Home-made teas.
Admission Adult: £10.00
Child: £0.00

Accessibility

  • No information available at this time, please get in touch with the owners for details.
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FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Ransomes at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

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

Sorry, Ransomes does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

Yes. Ransomes 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.