Iford Manor Gardens - An Eclectic Masterpiece
As you drive over the beautiful bridge into the lovely grounds of Iford Manor, near Bradford-on-Avon, you feel like you've stepped back in time. It's like entering a real-life Narnia, where the everyday world disappears and a sense of magic surrounds you.
Stay close-by in the picturesque and historic City of Bath, and take the opportunity to visit the enchanting gardens during the vibrant seasons of Spring or early Summer.
Iford Manor's intriguing history dates back to the time of the Domesday Book, highlighting its significance in the historical landscape of England. However, the beautifully designed gardens that visitors enjoy today are primarily the remarkable achievements of the talented Landscape Architect Harold Peto, whose vision and creativity brought the grounds to life.
The surrounding countryside and villages are beautiful. Be wary as you drive down to the house off the main road as in places it’s a one track thoroughfare with passing spots. So travel with caution.
Peto lived at Iford from 1899-1933, he was a world renowned designer working in the gardens of the Rothschilds and the Astors. The gardens are a masterpiece, greatly influenced by his travels and interests in Italianate, Neoclassical and Eastern styles. As you visit you will be impressed by a wide variety of classical architecture and statutes and urns that feature over a series of terraces that are landscaped into the steep valley the garden and the manor house are set. They create a unique array of rooms that are softened with lovely planting creating a dramatic experience for visitors.
We recently visited Iford with our family who live in nearby Bath and had a wonderful time. It was a balmy day, the sun was shining and the colours were brilliant. The terrain was slightly challenging as my younger son relies on a wheelchair so our plan was to start as high as we could and work our way down through the garden. It worked perfectly and Harry had a really enjoyable time, plus there were some easy pathways down.
There is an excellent restaurant and cafe situated in a pleasant walled courtyard, so try and plan your visit to coincide with lunch, or afternoon tea.
For over 50 years, Iford Manor has been the home of the Cartwright Hignetts, who have worked tirelessly to care for and restore the gardens.
They bought Iford in 1965 from Harold Petos nephew, marking the beginning of a significant restoration project. The garden was in serious decline and required a great deal of tender loving care to bring it back to its former glory. It is situated on a shifting clay hill that posed numerous challenges and needed some significant renovations and stabilization work. This situation was hindering the architectural features of the property, which were subsiding due to a lack of proper foundations.
This critical issue was addressed by the Cartwrights, who dedicated countless hours of effort and financial investment to the restoration. As a result, they have played an essential role in helping to secure a long-term future for the gardens, ensuring their beauty and integrity for generations to come.
Peto was a strong proponent of creating a harmonious balance between the hard landscaping and the various types of planting. He had an immense appreciation for architecture and held a deep fascination for plants. Truly, he is a man after my own heart!
Like topiary, good architectural design not only creates a beautiful structure but also brings life and interest to gardens beyond the vibrant seasons of spring and summer, allowing them to thrive and captivate throughout the entire year.
So, make sure to add Iford to your must-visit list and allow yourself to be inspired by its breathtaking beauty and charm!
For further information regarding their services and offerings, you can visit their official website at www.ifordmanor.co.uk. Alternatively, you are welcome to call them directly at the phone number 01225 863146 for any inquiries you may have.
Iford Manor, near Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2BA. Gardens open from 2nd April 2025.