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.
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Hampshire Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Hampshire Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Southampton's first Michelin star?
Newly opened southeast Asian restaurant, Blue Jasmine, could have all the right ingredients to claim the coveted title
This GIRL CAN
Tracy Edwards MBE paved the way for women in sport with her boat Maiden. Now, 30 years on, she’s showing women around the world that they can do something amazing too
The good ship LIBERTY
A call out on Instagram saw this Overton artist being included in the iconic Liberty Book
For KING & country
Can someone be born into greatness? We share the story of one of Britain’s most underrated monarchs, Henry III
Doing it for THEMSELVES
Multi-tasking sisters Iman and Yasmine El Sheik have just launched their new haircare brand Divinely Made, set to transform curly locks across the country
The Bear Ladies
Julie Tatchel and Amanda Middleditch from Bear It In Mind in Hythe regularly have viewers in tears with their bear restorations on the BBC hit show, The Repair Shop
A walk in Wonderland
A New Forest walk in the footsteps of Alice Hargreaves, the inspiration behind Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland
Creature comfort
From growing up with Hampshire racehorses to caring for dogs and cats at home, Clare Balding’s love of animals has seen her through good times and bad
A rare find
Hampshire’s diverse habitats attract all of Britain’s six native species of reptiles
A friend in need
Margot has met a kindred spirit to share her renovation horror stories
