Russet House

About Russet House

This ¾ acre garden with extensive views has seen huge changes since the current owners took over in 2019. The biggest change has been the construction of a new entrance drive that involved the removal of over 1000 tons of material. In addition 300 tons of spoil from the original house construction that had been dumped on site to create a 50m long unsightly and high maintenance bank has also been removed. The back garden was largely lawn with a few shrubs around the boundary and it was discovered that there was just a thin layer of topsoil on top of solid clay. 35 tons of clay were removed by hand and replaced with topsoil. A positive feature of the garden that remains is the orchard with 70 varieties of mainly apples but also plums, gages and pears.
At the front of the house there are 4 areas of ornamental planting that includes roses, fuchsias, arum lilies, penstemons, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, buddleias, agapanthus, viburnums. A wisteria hugs the front of the house and climbing roses have been recently planted. There is a summer house offering an opportunity to relax and take in the views that, on a clear day, extend to Dartmoor. There is further seating in the orchard.
By contrast to the openness of the front the walled back garden is relatively small and intimate but is packed with planting. A pergola with roses and clematis growing on it stands over the entrance with ferns edging the paving. A meandering path passes through trees, shrubs, roses, clematis and perennials. Past the pond there is a productive vegetable and soft fruit area with 4 raised beds, container grown vegetables, a greenhouse and potting shed. Beyond this area is more ornamental planting. There is a large patio with 3 secluded seating areas and filled with 50 or so large pots.
A feature of the garden is that almost all plants and trees are labelled. There are a number of recycled items including former house doors, granite worktops, oak flooring, block paving from the old drive and an immersion heater tank that is now 2 herb containers.
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