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Open at 10.30 am until 4.30 p.m. (last entry 3.30 p.m), only on Fridays
Dates for 2015
Friday April 17
Friday May 1
Friday May 22
Friday June 5
Friday June 19 (Rose Friday)
Friday July 3
Friday July 17
Friday July 31
Friday August 14
Groups welcome by prior arrangement if travelling by car or minibus, but narrow road access is not suitable for all vehicles- please phone to consult before arranging coach transport.
Very limited to certain activities and dependent on staff availability
Fresh interest throughout the season
Variety of bulbs , mature magnolias, cottage garden, extensive mixed borders, David Austin roses, wisteria colonnade, summer bedding, stumpery, bog garden, perennials, variety of water features, River Chelmer, pet cemetery, soft fruit, vegetables and orchard.
Adults £5, Child (5-16) £2.50; children under 5 free.
Assistance dogs only. Free Parking. Seasonal plants and produce for sale. Children to be supervised at all times due to deep water.
Peaceful historic setting with wealth of different garden spaces to see.
Refer to Maldon website 'www.visitmaldondistrict.co.uk' Suggestions include 'The Limes' and 'Le Bouchon'
Wealth of choice in central Maldon e.g. Intimo, Il Camino, Prezzos, Queens Head, Le Bouchon
Wealth of choice in central Maldon, and good country pub 'The Bell' at neighbouring village of Woodham Mortimer.
Maldon itself offers considerable interest with many historic buildings and churches, Thames Barges on the Hythe and a nationally renowned military museum - see local website 'www.visitmaldondistrict.co.uk' or phone Tourist Office on 01621 856503
Past design: Basil Ionides and Wykeham Chancellor (1912-1920s)
Three acres of spacious and peaceful gardens in an historic rural setting, beautifully extended and revived in the last few years. Mature trees surround a variety of planting and water features: woodland walks under-planted with bulbs leading to the tidal River Chelmer, a cottage garden, an extensive formal garden filled with David Austin roses, a young orchard and wild flower meadow, a wisteria walk, and stunning 85 yard long mixed herbaceous borders. Specimen trees include Magnolia,Tulip and Indian Bean. The extensive lawn has the scenic backdrop of of the remains of a 12th century abbey incorporated into a mainly 17th century private residence (not open to garden visitors).
The grounds first recorded occupation was in 1180 by Premonstratensian canons. After various subsequent owners including several generations of the Francke family, the grounds reverted to farming and market gardening in the 18th and 19th centuries. Basil Ionides was engaged in 1912 to restore and extend the house, shortly followed by Wykeham Chancellor laying out the grounds nearest the house.
The location next to water sources reflects use by the original abbey, and the 17th century garden wall foundations incorporate stonework from the demolished parts. The current layout nearest the house is probably by Basil Ionides and Wykeham Chancellor in the early 20th century. More recently different generations of the Foyle family have extended the planted areas and added features such as a statue of the abbey's founder.
The last few years, head gardener Chris Cork has designed and implemented considerable improvements with further projects in hand.