We enjoyed Kiftsgate Court. Right next door (in landed-gentry terms!) to Hidcote Manor so a pity to not see both if you are going to see one. Smaller and only took us an hour to walk round, whereas we spent two and a half walking round Hidcote.
Mad! Much of the garden on the side of a cliff face – which means that the views from the top are spectacular but you wouldn’t half get fit looking after it! Being able to see the massive trunks of the Pines (I thought they were Montrey, but they might well be Scotties) at a point some 20′ from their base, but only perhaps 1/3rd of the way up, at eye level, was intriguing and striking.
Lots of interesting planting, the Kiftsgate rose is a huge beast indeed (reputedly the largest Rose in England I think), and many plants labelled which was helpful for us (both gardens had a Plant list by “zone” which was pretty much all we needed and the kind lady at the gate filled in the few that we couldn’t figure out for ourselves)
The view from Kiftsgate Court across the swimming pool and down the valley
The View
The View
and across the Pool to the Folly
Pool and Folly
Folly
and looking back at the Bank up to the house
The Bank
and as you walk back up the bank some Cyclamen by the path, and that view again!
Cyclamen and View
Once back up the bank again! a glimpse through the hedge at the contemporary pond.
Peep Hole - Contemporary Pond
The Sunken Garden
Sunken Garden
and the Wide border
Herbaceous Border
Border
We didn’t stay for tea, but there was a tea room in the end of the (huge) house. Comprehensive plant list available, and many of the plants are labelled. Recommended.
And home again. As my Father used to say: “East … West … Home’s best”
