The Courts, like many gardens in the care of the National Trust was created in the 20th century.
The 7 acre garden is set within an arboretum and centred around a distinguished 18th century stone house (not open to the public).
In the early years of the century the architect Sir George Hastings partly established the framework of the garden.
He created a largely formal layout with hedged compartments in the style of Sissinghurst or Hidcote.
Sir George also planned backdrops of clipped yew to accentuate the stone statues which are now a feature of the garden and was responsible for the little stone temple and conservatory.
Lady Cecilie Goff, who came to The Courts with her husband in 1920, added to Sir George's work to create a garden full of charm and variety. Lady Cecilie filled the herbaceous borders with lavish planting schemes.
The carefully blended colours and textures are in the style of Gertrude Jekyll.
Water-loving plants flourish round a small lake and a bed of floribunda roses hedged by clipped yew sets off a rectangular lily pond. Around the house are spacious lawns, topiary and fine specimen trees. From here there are splendid vistas hedged by holly and yew.
The Courts is closely connected with the West Country wool trade.
Until the end of the 18th century weavers brought their disputes for arbitration at the house.
The watermill that once stood by the house has been demolished but the dyeing pond and the stone pillars between which the wool was hung on chains to dry survive and have been incorporated into the garden.
The Mexican red-ink plant, which provides a dark crimson dye, is a reminder of The Courts' association with the wool trade and can be seen throughout the garden.
2009: 14Mar-1Nov 11:00-17:00 Mon-Tue & Thur-Sun. Other months by appointment only. Last entry 30min before close.
Tel: 01225 782875 The Courts Website
