The Italian Garden - Great Ambrook Devon
We had the most tranquil stay at The Italian Garden, Great Ambrook in Devon. It was so relaxing and gave me and hubby a chance to really unwind and connect with nature after such a busy few weeks in London. We enjoyed walking around the gardens with cups of tea, bird watching and cow watching! There is a farm next door and the cutest cows came over to say hello. It really felt like a Soho Farm House but private. It has an air of elegance about it.
It has a fascinating history behind it, one that I found myself thinking of with every step I took during my walks through the spacious and ancient gardens. We stayed across the Easter weekend and on Saturday/Sunday you get your house, with private orchard to yourself but also the 4 acres of Italian Gardens that are currently being restored by the lovely people who own it, along with local volunteers.
It was originally built by Arthur Graham, a homosexual and a man with a lot of inherited wealth. Built somewhere between 1909-1912 to have a place to entertain, but also a place to be free. It is such a sad story, to be persecuted for being gay. I can’t imagine what he must have faced or how difficult it must have been to live with yourself back then. Being gay was illegal so he probably felt bad and wrong for simply existing. No wonder he built such high walls and the most beautiful paradise for himself, his love, and their friends to frolic around in. To be safe in. Even now it still has the remnants of a protected sanctuary. It’s very idyllic. Very serene.
We stayed in the new, very modern, and very beautifully created Italian Garden House. It’s heavenly. Hidden away within the historic Italian Garden at Great Ambrook, between Dartmoor and the south Devonshire coast, this newly built home discreetly nestled within the walled orchard has been beautifully designed in harmony with its unique setting. Inside, you’ll discover a calm, contemporary space to retreat from the stress of everyday life. And that we did! We cooked, we ate scones with Devons famous clotted cream, we watched the stars and we unwound at the end of each day in front of the stunning fire place with a glass of vino!
Perfectly located to make the most of the vibrant towns of Totnes and Dartmouth, this is a wonderful base for exploring both the coast and countryside, with the seaside towns of the English Riviera to discover and the wilds of Dartmoor just a short drive away. You really do need more than a weekend!
Modern in design with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, oiled wood floors, stylish interiors, and garden views, this away-from-it-all haven offers comfort and luxury in a historic garden setting. Open plan living, with three luxurious ensuite bedrooms, a cosy fireplace and outdoor dining in complete privacy of the walled garden make this a perfect retreat for couples, friends or families to spend time together. Its is CSG Lux approved!
The Italian Garden House sits within what used to be the walled kitchen garden of Great Ambrook House. In keeping with its origins, the old apple trees have been retained as the backdrop to the new, contemporary planting, designed with wildlife in mind. The Garden House itself has a green, sedum roof chosen to both increase biodiversity and to ensure it is completely concealed from view.
Double doors lead to outdoor seating and dining areas, complete with dining table, chairs for six and a charcoal BBQ grill for meals alfresco. The separate fire pit terrace is perfect for watching the stars, which we did on the first night! With some champagne to celebrate the easter weekend. You also have unlimited access to the separate Italian Garden.
Nestled in the rolling hills of South Devon, with the wilds of Dartmoor on your doorstep, you’re wonderfully positioned to explore some of the most beautiful countryside and coastline around.
The Italian Garden House is just a short drive from the lovely, historic market town of Totnes, with its alternative vibe. A great place to have as your base, it is home to many boutique and independent shops, twice-weekly markets, inspiring art galleries for afternoon strolling and The Curator for a coffee afterwards. Uncover this town’s historic past at Totnes Castle, the Guildhall and Dartington Hall Estate, which has a stunning house, listed gardens, cinema, and shops. Take a trip from Totnes to Dartmouth on the River Dart or try English wine tasting at Sharpham Vineyard and Calancombe Estate Vineyard.
It really is a little slice of paradise and we had a truly breath-taking stay.
Xoxo
CSG Lux
