The Old Rectory, Farnborough

About The Old Rectory, Farnborough

At nearly 250 metre high and despite being prey to winds from the downs, this 4 acre garden has been created over 30 years, based on a good original structure of large trees and hedges with magnificent views.

The house is as pretty as any old village rectory could be and sits at the heart of the garden looking out at the downs. Deep parallel herbaceous borders are backed by yew hedges. The planting by the front of the house is subtle and effective, the smaller areas have been laid out for sun or shade loving plants. Woodland contrasts with shrubs and lawns, and the fast-growing arboretum now contains over 150 trees.

The swimming pool is surrounded by a large hydrangea sargentiana and potted lilies, with mixed roses and clematis around the outside walls. There is a collection of old roses and small flowered clematis, and wild flowers line the front lawn by the ha-ha. The tennis court has been turned into a ‘boule a drome’ – a place in the middle to play boule – with four large beds, pretty wrought iron gates and a gazebo.

Those who like John Betjeman’s poetry will be interested to know that he lived here from 1945-1950 and can look for the ghost of Miss Joan Hunter Dunn in the shrubberies. A John Piper window in the church is in his memory

Regional Finalist, The English Garden’s The Nation’s Favourite Gardens 2019.

With stunning views across the countryside, it is the perfect setting for the 1749 rectory (not open), once home of John Betjeman, in memory of whom John Piper created a window in the local church.