Clinton Lodge, Fletching

The early house is Caroline, built at the end of the 17th century, with an addition at the end of 18th century by 1st Earl of Sheffield who gave it to his daughter on her marriage to Sir Henry Clinton.
A six acre garden of formal and romantic planting is divided by hedges into smaller gardens which include a small knot garden, an Elizabethan garden with camomile paths and a wild flower meadow.
After the walk through the herbaceous borders, which echo the late Victorian gardens when unknown plants were introduced from China and Japan, there is the cloister walk which was inspired by a Pre-Raphaelite painting.
As you walk through the new arbour in the Pye Garden you will notice that the roses are grown to nose height to better smell the scent which mingles with the sound of the water feature by William Pye.
Having walked through the white peony walk you find yourself at the twentieth century swimming pool which is circled by pollarded paulownia, tall hydrangeas and cleome to give a jungle effect.
The lawn, which has been planted with box shaped hornbeams, overlooks the haha and parkland, towards an eye catching column on the distant hill.
This interesting garden takes you on a journey through interlinking enclosures and walks which have evolved and now echo English garden history. We will complete our visit with tea and cake.