Iford Manor

The Iford valley has been occupied since Roman times and the manor house sits idyllically by the Frome river in the steep-sided valley. Iford Manor is mediaeval in origin, the classical facade being added in the eighteenth century when the hanging woodlands above the garden were planted.

The Grade 1 Italianate garden at the Manor is famous for its tranquil beauty and was designed by the architect and landscape gardener Harold Ainsworth Peto who lived here from 1899 to 1933. A unique and romantic hillside garden, it is characterised by steps, terraces, sculpture and magnificent rural views and is open to the public from April to October.

From midsummer through to early August, the gardens and cloister play host to a series of Opera performances and jazz concerts, as well as a series of free "3-to-tea" concerts on Sunday afternoons by amateur and not-so-amateur artists.

Whilst the garden is open to the public at specific times, we are always delighted to welcome coach groups at other times, by prior appointment. Such groups are offered exclusive use of the garden outside normal opening hours. Guided tours may be available.

Throughout the quiet, rural valley there are beautiful walks along public footpaths, offering a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. We kindly ask that you take care not to allow dogs or children to disturb the diverse wildlife which lives in this unspoilt river valley, and that you take any litter home with you.

Peto Garden

In 1899, Harold Ainsworth Peto discovered Iford and the individuality of the garden owes everything to his inspiration and eye for combining architecture and plants.

The house is built into the steep hillside, so terracing forms an important elementof the design. Peto was particularly attracted by the charm of old Italian gardens, where flowers occupy a subordinate place amongst the cypresses, broad walks, statues and pools. The current owners have restored the design and planting in accordance with Harold Peto’s vision and over the years, have transformed the area of the Oriental garden.

Set in 2.5 acres this steep hillside Italian style garden affords the visitor wonderful views of the valley. A number of original plants remain: the standard Wisteria sinensis; Phillyria; Buxus sempervirens which also grows in tree form in the woods; Cupressus sempervirens; Hemerocalis citrina, the scented day lily and, in the long grass by the Cloister, naturalised Martagon lilies.

The Peto Garden at Iford Manor in Wiltshire won the Historic Houses Association/Christie's 1998 Garden of the Year Award given in recognition of a garden, outstanding both for its horticultural and public interest.

A visit to the Peto Garden at Iford includes delightful features such as the Loggia, the Great Terrace, the Casita and the largest of Peto’s garden buildings, the Cloisters. This building is the location for most of the recitals and operas that take place throughout the summer as part of the Iford Arts programme.