Читать книгу Made in Great Britain - Tom Quinn - Страница 37

Harold Peto, of Huguenot descent and an architect by profession, created this extraordinary Italian garden between 1899 and 1933 in the grounds of Iford Manor. Its importance can be judged by the fact that it is listed Grade I, and yet it is not nearly as well known as it should be. It is a romantic garden built to reflect the sort of sunny hillside gardens typical of Italy – wherever you go there are terraces, ponds, broad walks, little groups of mature trees, sculpture (much of it collected on Peto’s travels) and wonderful vistas out across the countryside.

The garden contains many specimens that have survived from Peto’s own first planting scheme – these include wisterias, cypresses and scented lilies. The house attached to the garden (not open to visitors) is almost as interesting – medieval in origin, it has, like so many English country houses, a classical façade added in the 18th century. In late spring it is draped with the flowers of magnificent wisteria.

The 1ha (2½-acre) garden includes the loggia, the great terrace and the Cloisters – a building in which operas are performed each summer. Among Peto’s professional admirers the general view seems to be that he brilliantly combined the formal and informal in this unique garden, which should be on every tourist’s list of places to visit.

SECRETS

PETO GARDEN at Iford Manor, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2BA (ifordmanor.co.uk). 01225 863146. Open: Garden Apr Sun (& BH Mon) 14.00–17.00; May–Sep Tues–Thurs, Sat, Sun (& BH Mon) 14.00–17.00; Oct Sun & BH Mon 14.00–17.00. Price: adult £5, children visit free.

While you’re there

Visit DYRHAM PARK, Dyrham, near Bath, South Gloucestershire (nationaltrust.org.uk). Late 17th-century house set in a deer park.

Secret place to stay

LANSDOWN GROVE HOTEL, Bath 01225 483888. Just a few miles away, the Lansdown is grand-looking and reasonably priced.

The intimate Peto Garden features many pathways lined with statues.