Lulworth Castle House

The spectacular garden is the work of Sara Weld, with early advice from the Bannermans. A view across lawns and a formal square pool ends with a glimpse of the sea. A gravel walk leads to an orangery, then a Mediterranean garden with olive trees and a pool garden with a border structured with Quercus ilex columns. An orchard leads into the kitchen garden and then through a woodland garden, with a glimpse of the castle, to a large garden divided by beech hedges, concealing a bee garden, lavender maze and a Moorish garden.

Smedmore House

The original house was built around 1610, “beautified by pleasant gardens”. The west façade dates from 1700. In 1760 the north front was added, enlivened by two elegant bays. The garden, which lies between the house and the stable block, is contained in a number of walled spaces before opening out into an expansive lawn dominated by an ancient Quercus ilex. Vistas cut through the woodland give views of the sea and Clavel Tower.

Eastington Farm

Eastington Farm, perched on limestone downland within sight of the sea, is probably the least promising place to create a garden. Rachel James has triumphantly created a lovely garden, sensibly arranged within the shelter of walls and hedges, which give a feeling of intimacy and security. From a courtyard, where the planting is largely structural and evergreen, stone paths lead through borders of roses and perennials with mounds of Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’.