The charming gardens at Houghton Lodge are a delightful mix of formal and informal areas nestling by the River Test, with the added bonus of alpacas. Words and pictures by Leigh Clapp.
HOME to the Busk family for over 100 years, picture-perfect Houghton Lodge near Stockbridge is a rare example of an 18th century ‘Cottage Orné’ a romantic and picturesque vision of the perfect rural retreat where gentle folk could retire to the delights of country simplicity.
Built in 1793 it was probably intended as a fishing lodge, and both the house and grounds are listed Grade II*. It is no wonder that this pretty house was voted a finalist by Country Life readers for ‘England’s Favourite Country House’. The gardens and grounds complete the idyllic scene and blend into the pastoral landscape beyond, with the whole valley now classified as an Environmentally Sensitive Area.
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