Italian Gardens Tour

The Italian Garden covers an area of 4-acres and was designed and built for Arthur Smith Graham between 1909 and 1912. It is the only surviving garden created by Devon architect Thomas Henry.

Both owner and architect were gay and the garden was deliberately created in a secluded location, surrounded by high walls. Graham wanted an intimate, private space where he could entertain his guests at a time when homosexuality was condemned by society.

Arthur Smith Graham died in 1928 and the Great Ambrook estate was broken up in 1963 by which time the site was very overgrown. When the new owners of the Coach House, Kenneth and Doris Rees, arrived in the 1980s, it appeared to be woodland. They gradually uncovered the paths and structures to reveal the garden once again. The present owners, Stephanie Berry and Kim Chapman bought the garden in 2016 from the estate of Kenneth Rees and have a mission to gently restore the garden, make it a part of the local community and bring its original owner and designer the recognition they deserve with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers. The garden has a special charm and has been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund.

Join us for a private tour to see the beauty for yourself.  Spaces are restricted to 14.  Non-refundable payment by May 20th will secure your place. Event will go ahead even in rain but severe weather might force rescheduling. Sensible footwear essential for uneven terrain. No wheelchair access. This event tallies well with the talk from Italian Gardens expert, on June 16th but both events can be enjoyed independently of each other.

For further information about this event please contact:

---