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East Lambrook Manor Gardens

LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
edited October 2023 in The potting shed
I've just read on GW magazine that East Lambrook Manor is up for sale (https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/monumental-english-garden-is-sellingalongside-its-housefor-2-25-million-296457e0 ) and as it's no. 1 on my list of gardens to visit I am now wondering if I'll ever make it! It closes for the season at the end of October and I'm thinking maybe I should try to get there next week. It'll be a crazy long way in a day but possible, so my question is: if you've been there, would it just have died down too much in late October to make the trek worthwhile?
'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
- Cicero
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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Tricky question.  It's been a few years since l've been there and it's not a massive garden. I've had a quick look at their Instagram page but there are no recent posts and no recent reviews on TripAdvisor. 
    https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1208080-d4756472-Reviews-East_Lambrook_Manor_Gardens-South_Petherton_Somerset_England.html

    I think it's more of a late Spring or early Summer garden, but if you want to cross it off your bucket list is there any way you can turn the trip into an overnight stay and maybe visit another garden on your way home ?
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    edited October 2023
    Hope you manage it, I would imagine it will still be quite interesting. I thought the name was familiar, the late great Margery Fish.
    I have one her books given to my by a great gardening friend.
    Just from the way the lady wrote her book I would love to visit.

    (The book I have is her ground cover one).

    If I had a two and a bit millions to spare I would buy that house and garden. Sigh.....

    If it gets sold who knows who will buy it and if they will keep it open to the public.
    I would say go if you can .

    Edited to add this note on the rightmoves site!

    Purchasers' Note:
    East Lambrook Manor is not being sold as a business.
    The fixtures and fittings in the Malthouse could be available by separate negotiation as could the display tables in the Nursery. Also garden ornaments are not included within the sale price.


  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Like AnniD, I've not been there for years and it was rather ramshackle and overgrown then and I doubt if it's changed much. If I remember rightly, it wasn't the easiest of places to find either, buried in the wilds of Somerset along very narrow roads. It rather depends on what your taste in gardens is, do you like them neat and today or the 'wildish' look? There were narrow paths, quite a few steps and lots of overhanging perennials when we visited. They had a plant stall but I don't remember any cafe. I wouldn't make a long trip just to see it unless as AnniD says, you make an overnight trip of it. 
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    I'm a huge fan of Margery Fish so I feel I know the garden quite well and really want to see it. I've just read that one of the couple who own it died late last year, which would probably explain the sale. I sent them an email and the owner said that while he would like to sell it to someone who would keep the garden going, he might not have the choice. 
    I have looked into staying overnight but I can't find anywhere nearby the garden and it would increase the cost considerably; I  also have a fair few commitments next week so can't really spare two days. I may have to keep my fingers crossed and hope it reopens in February.
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    The property market isn't exactly hot at the moment, so hope they reopen in February. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    edited October 2023
    We made a garden is one of my favourite books @LG_ and one of the reasons l wanted to visit there.
    I hope that you get to visit next year  :)

    Edited to add, have you looked at The Brewers Arms at South Petherton? 
    https://the-brewersarms.com/accommodation-the-brewers-arms/

    It's just under 2 miles away.
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Thanks @AnniD - yes, it's my favourite gardening book too!
    That looks doable actually - a 40 minute walk 👍🏼. I'll probably have to keep it in mind for the spring though.
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jun/20/margery-fish-cottage-garden-somerset

  • SuesynSuesyn Posts: 664
    It's not far from us but we have only been in the spring, the early flowering bulbs are glorious, but it isn't a big garden.
    It is very tucked away, but I think they get a lot of visitors on the NGS days, maybe not so many at other times.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    It does look a beautiful house. Think l might buy a lottery ticket.
    https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/137667056#/?channel=RES_BUY

    The garden is Grade 1 listed so l hope whoever buys it is prepared to take on a big responsibility. 
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