Easton Lodge, Little Easton, Dunmow CM6 2BD Essex
Harold Peto’s gardens
The Gardens of Easton Lodge are the only example in East Anglia of the work of the Edwardian garden designer, Harold Peto. Peto originally trained as an architect and brought to Easton Lodge his passion for Italianate, French and Japanese designs, including many architectural features. Peto’s 1902 designs for the Countess of Warwick included formal lawns, a sunken Italian garden, a yew walk, a treehouse, a glade and a Japanese garden. Today, they continue to form the outline of the Gardens, which the Trust is restoring as funds allow.
The Italian Garden
Peto’s Italian garden was the centrepiece in his garden design. It includes a 30m long water lilypond, surrounded by stone balustrades, and is set within flower beds and borders. Its wide gracious steps and its paving were from honey coloured Ham Hall stone. The Edwardian planting in the garden provided both structure and colour. The Trust’s volunteers work to ensure that the Italian garden is colourful throughout the seasons. Landsec funded the restoration of the one set of stone steps in use in 2019; and the Trust fundraised and completed the restoration of the balustrade around the lilypond in 2021. The Trust will prioritise further replacement of stonework in the Italian garden as funds permit.
Directions: Little Easton, Dunmow, CM6 2BD. (Use Satnav CM6 2BB). Entrance is on the right about ¼ mile beyond Little Easton Church. Directional signs from Dunmow. What3words for car park – stocky.bulletins.opponent
Arrive 10.30 for 11.00 start of guided tour and history of the gardens and the late owner, The Countess of Warwick. After the tour, tea and cake and the opportunity to explore the gardens until closing at 3.00 p.m. Picnics are welcome.
Entry price includes Tea & Cake.
bookings will close on the 15th May 2023
Minimum of 12 people