OUTSIDE
Back in the 18th century, when the major ‘renovation’ of Barton Court was undertaken by Henry Lambert, the fields surrounding the house were landscaped for the benefit of its occupants. Out of every window they could see a living painting.
It is said that Capability Brown may have had a hand in the planning but, whoever was involved did a very fine job and, thanks to their foresight, this view is what you see from your window on a typical spring morning: the cleverly planted perspective leading your eye toward the horizon.
The gardens of the main house lie mostly to the front and sides, making the best of the southerly aspect and bathed in sunshine for most of the day.
There are several distinct garden ‘rooms’ for you to enjoy, depending on mood and time of day.
A STROLL AROUND THE GARDENS
The lower pond in spring
Spring flowers abound
The white garden underneath the windows
The pond in winter
A heron! Up close and personal
Autumn colours on the bridge to the meadow
Summer flowers proliferate
Scented narcissi tumble down to the pond
Fragrant roses frame the lawn
We leave a section unmown to encourage wild flowers
Rainbow over the lan
The front of the house in summer
Outside the sun room
Our topiarised yew hedges
The gateway in the hedge between the lower pon and the Walled Garden
The gardens and grounds attached to the main house amount to about two acres of absolute privacy. Split into different sections, there is a formal flat lawn edged by rose borders where you can play croquet or have a drinks party; an area just outside the breakfast room which is ideal for barbeques and outdoor dining; two ponds; a wooded copse for hide and seek; and a firepit to sit around on summer evenings.
We have planted roses, daffodils, tulips, flowering shrubs and added one of two specimen trees to the glorious array that were already established. The abundance of scented, colourful foliage, as well as being beautiful to look at, acts as a larder for the birds, bees and butterflies that make their home here. If you are lucky - and people often are - you will spot some rare species.
The gardens and outdoor spaces are masterminded and maintained by Tina, our wonderful gardener and friend, helped in high season by other talented workers.
The gardens of the main house are yours exclusively but you are welcome to explore the wider estate: the Walled Garden, the orchard etc, if you wish.
