The enbattled entrance from the road has quatrefoil openings that echo those in the 15th century porch. The arched entrance by the gate has to its right one of the tall garden pavilions that terminate the terrace. The reed thatched Coach House to the left are in sharp contrast.

The well manicured lawns lead past the Great Court toward the house, where Hygea stands guard.  

The Great Court, Terrace and Pavilions, the Corona, Private Garden and Lion's Mouth are all the masterpiece of Francis Inigo Thomas.

The Great Court and South Terrace with and its garden house, to the west the house of 'Joy & Summer' and to the east 'sorrow & winter'. The twelve yew pyramids, 30 feet high imitate the obelisks in the Corona.

From the terrace view across the gardens, include the dovecote, coach house and the south and east fronts of the house. A view from the top of the steps leads the eye through the Corona, Private garden to the White garden.

The Corona is in the Elizabethan manner, with tall obelisks reaching up from the circular wall. A background of dark green clipped yew emphasises the Ham Stone. 

The planting in 2002 follows a design by Andrea Cooke with a variety of red and purple coloured herbacious plants intended to compliment the shape of the stone. A lead vase catches the water from the fountain

East of the Corona is the Lion's mouth with a cascade and pool. This garden was altered in 1977 to provide a home to rock plants and others that require a dry situation. Many were gifts from the Abbey Gardens on the island of Tresco. Have a look for the Crayfish in the pool.

The Canal

As you come through the Lions mouth you are taken to the Canal. Formed in 1969-70 with a free standing arch added in 1999 (from the demolished gate house). Magnolia Grandiflora form a guard of honour in front of the Toll House

An octagonal pond formed in the 70's surrounded by pleached limes inspired the design by Sir Robert Cooke for the centre of New Palace Yard, Westminster. The Inscription around the pond reads BENEDICTE CETE ET OMNIA QUAE MOVENTUR IN AQUIS DOMINO meaning 'O ye whales and all ye creatures that move in the waters bless ye The Lord'

The private Garden is opposite the east front of the house. There is a level terrace with ballustrade outside. The Lawn is on two levels, with the sunken part enclosing a long fish pond and fountain. Varieties of magnolia include loebneri 'Merrill' and soulangiana.

The Northern gateway form the private garden leads to the white garden, through which flows the River Piddle. On the right a brick path, added by Patrick Cooke in 1995 leads to a statue of Apollo.

The surrounding bed is filled with a collection of shrub roses ranging from one pre-dating Roman times and other old fashioned and modern roses.

The white garden forms a memorial to the late Elizabeth Mary Cooke MD, MRCP and was replanted in 1992

For the full text and detail of the gardens please see our Guide Book