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Garden Name: Houghton Lodge Garden
Last Modified: 08/02/2010
Garden ID: 0422

pic: 0422_HoughtonLodge.jpg

Owner: Martin Busk
Address:
Houghton
Stockbridge

Postcode: SO20 6LQ
County: Hampshire

tel: 01264 810502
fax: 01264 810063
website: www.houghtonlodge.co.uk
email: info {at} houghtonlodge.co.uk

Features: 
Hydroponic garden.
New Water Meadow Walk in 14 acre area adjoining the garden and River Test opens in 2006.

English Heritage Grade:
II*

Opening Times:
1st March - 31st Oct; Daily except Weds; 10am - 5pm. (Weds by appointment)
Recorded info: 01264-910912

Best Times of Year to Visit: 


To see: 


National Collection: 


National Garden Scheme days: No
Comments: 

Parties / Coaches: yes 
Comments: 

Viewing by Appointment: Yes
Comments:  

House Open for Viewing: Yes
Comments: By appointment only.

Admission Prices:
Adult £5; Children under 14 free; Groups of 25+ £4.50.
14-acre meadow walks with Alpacas, available at an additional £2.50. Pre booked groups welcome at special rates.

Parking: Yes
Lavatories: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Shop: Yes
Plants for Sale: Yes
Lunches: No
Teas: Yes
Refreshments: Yes
Picnics: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes
Only on Lead: Yes
Events: No

Other Facilities:
Windfall apples free. Special lunch and cream teas arranged for groups. Licenced for Civil Weddings.


Designer: 
Description of Garden:
Set in an idyllic spot on a hillside above the River Test with extensive views of the river, visitors will find a fully restored Walled Kitchen Garden, a Topiary Peacock Garden, a Topiary Dragon which puffs at you as you pass, Herbaceous Borders, Woodland and River Walks, a Hydroponic Greenhouse, and an Orchid Display House. Hydroponics is a form of gardening in which plants are grown without the use of soil. Instead plants are successfully grown in a nutrient enriched perlite and vermiculite base. It is used extensively for the commercial production of tomatoes.


History: 
Houghton Lodge is an 18th century, listed Gothic Cottage Orne set above the River Test. The original concept of Cottage Ornes was to provide a natural type of dwelling in sympathy with the more natural style of landscape garden fashionable in that period, avoiding the draughty and uncomfortable grandeur of the country house of the time. Typically they featured conservatories, french windows and verandahs to soften the border between house and garden.

Local Inns: 
Peat Spade, Longstock
John of Gaunt, Horsebridge

Accomodation: 


Restaurants: 


Village/Town/Sightseeing: