Iford Manor is a Tudor house with a classical facade. The property, set in the peaceful Frome Valley, was once a centre of the flourishing Wiltshire woollen industry.
In 1898 the architect Harold Peto made Iford Manor his home and created the unique garden seen today.
Peto took his inspiration from Italy. He terraced the slopes and built steps to link the different levels. There are fountains, pools, classical statues, figures, urns and colonnades and cypresses.
Roses, wisteria and climbers soften the strong lines of the architectural features. Peto also built cloisters in the Italian Romanesque style to house his superb collection of sculpture and architectural fragments.
The Italian style gardens are in great contrast to the English water meadows along the valley floor below.
Iford Manor Gardens Opening Times2008: Apr & Oct: Sun 14:00-17:00; May-Sept: daily, except Monday and Friday, 14:00-17:00.
Tel: 01225 863146 Iford Manor Gardens Website
