Kenfield Hall, Petham and Old Bladbean Stud, Bladbean

Price: £50

Kenfield Hall is a beautiful Queen Anne house set in within one of Kent’s most beautiful AONBs. The house has had a chequered history, and the grounds were previously neglected for many years prior to the estate being purchased by Barnaby and Camilla Swire 20 years ago and being turned into their family home.
The 18th century sunken garden to the rear of the house, the central circular pool with ornamental statue and surrounding herbaceous borders have been restored. More recent work has focussed on the Japanese garden, which features several waterfalls flowing into a naturally filtered swimming pool, which supports an abundance of aquatic wildlife. Work continues on other parts of the garden including the extensive arboretum
Camilla and her Head Gardener Tom Waddy will lead us on a tour whilst talking us through the thought processes behind the restoration including details of the landscaping, the creation of sightlines and the new planting, much of it following organic principles.

Those that came to Old Bladbean Stud last year were amazed at the industry of Carol (Hannah Bruce) and the results of her work and flair for design, in the creation of a truly special garden. Many of you will have seen the article on her three acre garden in the January 2025 issue of The English Garden - that should be temptation enough. Carol will explain to us that her garden is ‘a collection of feelings’ with the detail of shape and planting influenced by the surrounding countryside. She will also tell us she uses no artificial fertilizers or pesticides. If you have been before, come again in a different season. If you’ve never been, you will not be disappointed!

KGT Contact: Richard Stileman 07968787950