Private garden visit to THE ITALIAN GARDEN
| Event Start Date | Thursday, 15 April 2027 1.15pm |
|---|---|
| Event End Date | Thursday, 15 April 2027 5.00pm |
| Cost | Members and guests £10. Teas are not available at the garden but can be purchased at Fermoys Garden Centre or Dainton Golf Club, both a short distance up the A381 towards Newton Abbot. Booking essential by 8th April |
| Event Location |
THE ITALIAN GARDEN GREAT AMBROOK, IPPLEPEN Devon TQ12 5UJ |
| Event Contact | Sally Dean |
| Telephone | 07380 494941 |
| Contact | sallymdean@gmail.com |
Lavandula 'Fathead'
By kind permission of Stephanie Berry and Kim Chapman.
The 4 acre garden was created between 1909 and 1912 by Arthur Smith Graham, a wealthy man. It was designed by architect Thomas Henry Lyon. The intention was to make a very private space where guests could enjoy walking, swimming, tennis and simply socializing, surrounded by high walls with occasional beautiful rural views. All the paths and buildings were built of the finest quality materials. When Arthur died the garden fell into decay, trees sprang up, walls collapsed and wooden structures rotted. In 2016 a programme of restoration began under the current owners. This was given a great boost in 2020 and 2023 when the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded the project substantial sums of money, in recognition of the owners’ conservation goals.
All the restoration and maintenance is carried out by a team of volunteers. The timbers of the 111ft pergola have been rebuilt. The Mediterranean ravine has had decades worth of fallen trees and debris cleared to reveal a magical network of paths and steps. Walls and paths have been rebuilt and restored and a nursery created to produce plants to sell to raise funds for future projects.
We will have a guided tour of 1½ hours and then be free to wander the garden or leave in search of tea.
It is absolutely essential to share transport as the parking is limited and the approach road to the garden is very narrow.
Directions Coming from Newton Abbot on the A381, drive past the Ipplepen signs and turn right into Edgelands Lane, just past Southern Timber. Take the first left after the junction with Conniford Lane, signed Ambrook 1 mile. Take the right fork at Ambrook Lodge through gates into Great Ambrook Avenue (a private road). Drive slowly as there are few passing places. After 1.7 miles there are stone pillars straight ahead and the garden entrance is on the left.