Wide-eyed wonder at Woolbeding

 Arriving at Woolbeding,one of the National Trust's recent new openings to joe public is a bit if a performance ..there isnt anywhere much to park,as yet.
Once into the premises where you come across a very new piece of landscaping, still raw with young planting one is a smidge apprehensive as to what is beyond. Make your way through to the area enclosed with mature yew hedges and revel in a wonderful collection of formal rooms.
Swimming pools, veg gardens, ornamental shapes and more and eventually emerge out of the hedged confines to a thundering great chrome bowl , likened to a traditional champagne glass. I wonder if  David Harber has anything to do with this wonder.

Wonder around to the house and take in the sumptuous landscape views across wide lawns. Saunter past the church and continue past the grand Cedars to what looks like a small copse of trees. And lo ..behold a ruined church. Peer through the window and enter a new garden fantasy ! From here on you must come and complete the journey around this ....this romantic fantasy for yourself. The creation underwritten with a  deep pocket. As entertainment, rather like an opera, its a delight !

  

Having wandered back to the house take your time to visit the other little areas beyond the house down the bank, passing by these stairs to walk above  the river for a while.

For anyone who would like to be escorted around this extraordinary place do get in touch for a personally accompanied trip. adam.hodge@oxfordbotanica.com