Private garden visit to THORN HOUSE

By kind permission of John Gibson.

As you drive down the green valley to Thorn a spectacular view of the River Yealm and Dartmoor beyond opens up in front of you. The current garden at Thorn is one hundred years old, but there has been a house here for more than a thousand years. The location high up on the West bank of the River Yealm made it a sentinel position guarding the medieval quay below.
The garden occupies twelve acres on the side of the Yealm. It is steep and it hosts a range of rare plants that enjoy the maritime climate. Since the eighties, when the current owner and his wife took over, numerous interesting trees and shrubs, many of them antipodean, have been added to the collection of older trees, of which sixteen are champion trees. There are many woodland walks, some with views across the river to Noss Mayo.
The long terrace has a rose garden and parterre and some very grand Italianate urns which originated in Trentham Hall in Staffordshire.

John Gibson will give an introduction to the history of the house and garden and then we will be free to walk in the garden. There are many steep paths which could be slippery after rain. A stick is recommended.

Directions:    

Take the A38 towards Plymouth, exit at Plympton. Follow the road to Brixton/Elburton. At the large Elburton Roundabout take signs to Wembury. (Alternatively take the A379 through Modbury and Yealmpton to arrive at the Elburton roundabout). On the approach to Wembury continue straight down the country lane (not right into the village). At the old vicarage turn left and follow signs for Thorn.