We lived in Haslemere for a few years before moving to Farnham, and we explored a lot of the surrounding countryside. We visited properties, gardens, landscapes, all sorts of places. In all the time we were there, we didn’t visit West Dean Gardens. Surprising, really, given Mirinda’s love of them. Gardens, I mean.
Well, we rectified that today.
As soon as I returned from the shopping, Mirinda declared that we were going to go and do something today. She’d booked a day off, and she’d decided a garden would be ideal. We weren’t sure about the girls, so they got to stay home, keeping each other company, while we grabbed Max and set off.
There has been a garden at West Dean since 1622 though it’s changed a lot since them. In fact, the Great Storm of 1987 proved an effective force of change.
Before that, a number of owner changing took place and each owner stamped the property with their own personality. From James Lewkenor, who built the first manor to the James family in the late 19th, early 20th centuries.
One of the highlights at West Dean are the glasshouses. Row upon row of them. Truly amazing. Particularly at this time of year when they are protecting and propagating plants galore. Not to mention the nectarines which are starting to blossom everywhere.
Then there’s the walled garden. Someone, somewhere reviewed the garden on Google Maps, and declared that the walled garden was the best they’d ever seen! Ignoring the fact that the person may never have seen another walled garden or only a very small one, the review is pretty accurate. The walled garden is very impressive. We need to return to see how it progresses through the seasons.
Personally, and bearing in mind I’m a garden numpty, I really like the walled garden at Loseley…but don’t tell anyone at West Dean.
The thing with West Dean is the size and variety of things to see. From the glasshouses to the walled garden, from the sunken garden to the pergola, everywhere there’s something new to see and discover. Not forgetting the masses of daffs springing up all over the place.
I think our daffs are impressive, but then I see something like the swathes at West Dean.
The whole place is very impressive, particularly give you can take dogs both around the gardens and inside the restaurant. I do love a restaurant that allows dogs. Later, back at home, I told the girls that they can come with us next time.
We spent a delightful few hours wandering the grounds, impressed by the college as well as the grounds. Built in the early 19th century, the main building was given castellations in order to suit the fact that it would be inhabited by a peer of the realm.
The peer was Sir James Peachey or Lord Selsey as he became known after George III dubbed him a few times with his unsheathed blade. Mind you, he didn’t get to enjoy the house for very long given he died in 1808. Even peers have to die it sems.
There is a long, fascinating history and timeline for the house which can be read about here.
Personally, I see the need to impress others with your wealth and position a sad reflection of humanity. Not to mention how such extravagance seems to imply a lack of something else. I’m thinking of Russian oligarchs and their need to possess the entire world, as much as the landed gentry did in their time.
Anyway, West Dean Gardens and the college within the grounds, are exquisite and well worth a visit. Unless you are a Russian oligarch, in which case you’d probably buy it and stop anyone else seeing it.
I almost forgot. Don’t miss out on having a West Dean sausage roll for lunch. You won’t be disappointed. Unless you’re a vegan or a vegetarian, of course, in which case, you’ll probably be upset.
