Whichford House

The garden at Whichford House has given us huge enjoyment during the years that we have been here. There is sadly little early information about it, but we do know that the dovecote dates back to medieval times. In the 1950s when publisher George Rainbird owned the house, his wife Joy planned and planted the Whichford House garden with the help of... the gifted plantsman and designer, James Russell (who also designed the gardens at Castle Howard). The newly planted garden featured in an issue of Country Life at the time. When we moved here in 2004, the garden was well overdue for an update, particularly to the terrace area at the rear of the house. With our garden designer, Judith Sharpe we made a number of changes. As you will see from the garden plan and photo shown here, the Long Walk was replanted with herbaceous borders and now ends in a fine iron gate screen. The lawns were re-landscaped into terraces and much replanting has taken place, largely following James Russell's original plans. The yew walk dividing the tennis court and orchard from the garden was reinstated and a vegetable garden with cutting flowerbeds was created. A major replanting of trees throughout the property and shrubs within the borders should ensure that the future of Whichford House's beautiful setting will continue to give pleasure for years to come. Whichford House Gardens are open for private group tours, by appointment only. If you are interested, please send us an email from the "Contact us" page.Read More