Midsummer House

First encountered, having entered through elegant wooden gates, is a parterre of yew and box, roses and summer-flowering perennials. A stream bisects the garden, planted with Primulas and Gunnera, beyond isan open lawn with fruit trees. On one side is a woodland walk filled with ferns, while on the other, a bench gives views across the white garden to the Uffington White Horse.

Woolley Park

This is one of those rare estates that has never been sold. The house was extended by Wyatville before he started on Windsor Castle for George IV. The staircase, dining room and library are all by Wyatville, while the Gold Drawing Room dates from 1858. The house stands on a slope with views across its park and the Lambourn Downs.

The Old Rectory

This mid-18^th century house is one of the prettiest houses in England. To one side, yew hedges back generous double borders. Paths lead invitingly through the trees to further gardens and an enclosed swimming pool, home to tender shrubs and pots of lilies in profusion. An arboretum, started some 30 years ago, is now impressively mature.