Rose arches and clematis scrambling over red brick walls, dainty nigellas and thick beds of lavender scenting the evening air with intoxication; this month we showcase our homes with glorious gardens. Gardens where banana trees fruit in Cornwall’s sub-tropical climate, lily pads drift over ponds and giant rhododendra invite children to clamber into jungles of the imagination.
The Walled Garden
An orchard abundant in fruit, a waterfall casting rainbows through the sun and twisting vines make this Cotswold folly an oasis away from city living. Row across the Victorian pool for a floating breakfast or simply lay on its banks, watching the dragonflies flit over its cool surface; The Walled Garden is as tranquil as it gets.
Castle India
As though lifted from the pages of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Castle India’s nine acres of sub-tropical gardens convolute through ancient rhubarb, past colourful lupins, beneath the gnarled branches of heritage apple trees and by banks of kaleidoscopic wildflowers, all before reaching the gated natural pool and Indian pool house. A true paradise for summer frolics in Cornwall.
Morwell
Sat within the luscious boundaries of the Tamar Valley AONB and right on the banks of it's arterial river, Morwell's position allows guests to feel nature's force, all while sitting within its formal walled garden. A large orchard leads guests from the farmhouse to the riverbanks and a perfectly manicured lawn borders the natural pool; the perfect antithesis to hot valley days.
The Zen Garden
Four acres impeccably designed around the art of slow, intentionality, The Zen Garden encourages all who enter to sink into a state of pure relaxation. A shimmering pond with swishing Koi commands the view from one side of the topiary, while a heated outdoor pool reflects the sun from the other. An intricate bonsai collection, al fresco kitchen and mesmeric lily lake make this High Weald escape one green-fingered folk will not want to miss.
The Hatch
Cornish palms and headily scented beds wrap around three sides of thatched cottage, The Hatch, where indoor-outdoor living is celebrated with enthusiasm. A large al fresco dining table, surrounded by blooms, offers the perfect spot for both morning coffees and sumptuous family lunches, while the orangery and its winding succulents perfectly lends itself to sundowners with views of the sky above when the weather cools. All of this just a hop, skip and a jump from Crantock beach.
Wildwood Holt
An untamed and natural garden in the hinterlands of Cornwall near Helford, where the creep of the wild is lionized rather than domesticated, at Wildwood Holt the birdsong is the only backing music one could ever need. Dip toes in the stream, sip wine beneath the ivy-tangled pergola and walk barefoot amongst the daisies for a truly restorative escape.
Atelier Rose
Topiary pyramids and fruit trees, secret gardens hiding croquet lawns and river banks alive with kingfishers; here is a home where the outside space sings a song of love. Atelier Rose's flower garden invites pollinators to happily flutter from one bloom to the next, while the orangery houses an indulgent William Holland spa bath, perfect for whiling away the evening in.
