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The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

Steep paths lead to beguiling 4 acres of natural woodland with many springs, streams, 2 pools one a natural swimming pool planted with native plants. Formal front garden, designed by Arne Maynard, with pleached crabtree border, topiary and soft planting inc tulips, peonies, roses and verbascums. Walled garden with informal planting, kitchen garden, orchard and 350 rose bushes for a cut flower business.

Owner Info

The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

About The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

The Old Rectory was home of the engraver Reynolds Stone from 1957 to 1979. He was greatly inspired by the trees, ivy and hart tongue ferns for his woodland engravings. The gardens were restored by the previous owners Hugh and Carol Lindsay, to the form they were intended in the nineteenth century. They opened the garden for 20 years for the NGS.
In the last seven years the front garden has been landscaped by designer Arne Maynard to balance the house with topiary, a herbaceous border and perennial planting in the gravel drives and paths.
There have been many cherry trees added to offer blossom in the spring to lighten the woodland garden.
The walled garden, kitchen garden and orchard have been maintained as before. The secret garden has been kept and enhanced for children with a swing and wendy house but still has shrub roses and a bed of ‘Anemone Blanda’ in Spring. A hard tennis court has been placed on the original grass court and offers a view to Puncknowle and a Rose Garden has been established for a cut rose business.
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The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney features

Location details

The Old Rectory,
Litton Cheney,
Dorchester,
Dorset,
DT2 9AH

Directions to The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
9m W of Dorchester. 1m S of A35, 6m E of Bridport. Park in village and follow signs.

The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake.
Admission Adult: £8.00
Child: Free
Opening times 11:00-17:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake.
Admission Adult: £8.00
Child: Free
Opening times 11:00-17:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake.
Admission Adult: £8.00
Child: Free
Opening times 11:00-17:00

Visit by Arrangement

This garden opens for By Arrangement visits from 27 April to September.

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

Admission Adult: £8.00
Child: Free

Accessibility

  • Not suitable for wheelchairs.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney. 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.

Sorry, The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.