Ilmington Manor

Recommended by

Overview

When the aptly-named Mr and Mrs Spenser Flower came to this delightful village in 1919, the honey-coloured stone manor house, built by Sir Thomas Andrews around 1600, needed massive restoration, and a derelict orchard occupied the position of the present garden. The Flowers restored and enlarged the manor house, planted many specimen trees and set about creating the interesting and beautiful gardens that we see today. Their grandson, Martin Taylor, owns the manor today. With his late wife Miranda, Taylor completed the restoration of the manor and its cottages, as well as gardens that have grown into a haven of peace. The Long Walk has six well-stocked herbaceous borders, which form the centrepiece of the main garden. To the right of the drive, which is lined with hornbeams, sits a little yew-hedge-bordered Pond Garden. The edges of the square pond are decorated with carved stone panels from India, and the surrounding paving is overgrown with many different varieties of scented thyme. The beds are filled with pink diascia, dianthus and other sun-lovers, while trailing sedums continue the patterns on the walls of the pool. South of the house beyond the forecourt are three large walnut trees and a dovecote perched high above a neatly clipped hedge. Drifts of naturalised daffodils and brightly coloured crocuses enliven the area in spring. To the west of the house are steps leading into the large formal Rose Garden, which is planted with old and modern shrub roses. The so-called Cupid Garden features an enchanting mixture of roses, lavender and scented mock oranges. Peonies and hardy geraniums stand alongside clematis-clad walls.

Features

Opening Times
Opening Times: Open for NGS or by appointment

Location

ILMINGTON, CV36 4LA

About the area

The sparkle of sunlight on a gentle river as it meanders through beautiful countryside; the reflections of sailing boats on a lake; relaxing with a pint in the garden of an old English pub in a picturesque village; brightly coloured narrow boats making their way through a flight of lock gates; the imposing silhouette of an historic castle. These are the scenes that make Warwickshire a delight.