The origins of the manor date back to the 15th century, but the handsome classical Georgian facade was added during 1730. The woodlands to the rear of the manor were planted at the end of the 18th century, and now form the perfect backdrop to Edwardian Garden Designer Harold Peto's magical garden.
A statue of Britannia surmounts the ancient bridge.
A statue of Britannia surmounts the ancient bridge.
Sitting on the southerly slopes of the Frome Valley, Iford Manor enjoys views across the river and over to the far side of this beautiful valley.
This setting is where Harold Peto designed and developed his own garden during the 34 year period that he lived in the Manor. A garden that expresses his great love of Italy and all things Italian, but which also blends in seamlessly with its English surroundings and countryside.
Harold Peto was an Arts and Crafts architect and one of the great landscape designers of his period, an exponent of the ultra-romantic Italianate style so fashionable during the first two decades of the twentieth century. He bought Iford Manor in 1899 and lived there until his death in 1933.
Wherever you are in the garden there are splendid vistas and views across the valley.
Once a year on a summer evening Iford holds an intimate opera within these cloisters for just 80 people who are seated on all four sides.
The cloisters along with most features within the garden are made from antique architectural fragments that Peto purchased and collected in Italy over a period of many years following his frequent visits there.
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. For he whom thou didst deserve to bear, alleluia.
These angels are holding the words of a Catholic prayer - which then continues.....
Is risen again as He said, Alleluia. Pray for us to God, Alleluia.
The stone garden house is an original Georgian one that was already in the garden. Harold Peto relocated it to the end of his Great Terrace where it acts as an eye catcher.
Steps lead on up from the Great Terrace
to a small Japanese style garden hidden away in the woods.
Lush planting complimented by all of the antique stoneware on The Great Terrace creates a visual feast.
Once a year on a summer evening Iford holds an intimate opera within these cloisters for just 80 people who are seated on all four sides.
The cloisters along with most features within the garden are made from antique architectural fragments that Peto purchased and collected in Italy over a period of many years following his frequent visits there.
These angels are holding the words of a Catholic prayer - which then continues.....
Is risen again as He said, Alleluia. Pray for us to God, Alleluia.
The stone garden house is an original Georgian one that was already in the garden. Harold Peto relocated it to the end of his Great Terrace where it acts as an eye catcher.
0 Comments