Another lovely day for a garden visit, with plenty to appreciate despite the parched lawns. After a simple lunch in the tearoom in the courtyard, we met our guide, David, who gave us a most interesting talk about the garden and also the history of the estate. One of the most treasured historical gardens in the country it is the best surviving early 18th century English garden in the manner of le Notre. It was laid out by Rt. Hon Thomas Coke, Vice Chamberlain to Queen Anne, with help from the garden landscape designers George London and Henry Wise.
Some highlights of the tour were meeting Hector, the swan on the lake, the 18th century Birdcage Arbour, the arboretum, the Yew Walk, views across the Mill Pond. As we walked round, there was statuary of putti to admire as well as other classically themed works, fountains, a grotto with bubbling spring. Much of the less formal areas have been designed by the current Marchioness of Lothian who is a professional painter. She and her husband took over the estate in 1987 and she continues to be very much involved in the garden, her ideas being realised with the help of David and his small team of gardeners.
Whilst unable to visit the hall on this occasion, there was more than enough to enjoy and appreciate in the garden. A return visit in the spring to enjoy the colourful display of bulbs might be worth considering.
