In the northern Cotswolds, just a stone’s throw apart, lie two extraordinary gardens: Kiftsgate Court and Hidcote Manor Garden. Both are must-sees for any garden enthusiast exploring the region. While they share proximity and 20th-century origins—Hidcote dating back to 1907 and Kiftsgate to 1920—their distinct styles and stories offer a rich contrast that makes visiting both an unforgettable experience.
Kiftsgate Court
A defining feature of Kiftsgate Court Gardens is its remarkable heritage: the garden has been lovingly nurtured by three generations of women.
Heather Muir, its creator, began the garden in 1920. Her daughter, Diany Binny, took the reins in the 1950s, followed by her granddaughter, Anne Chambers, in the 1980s. This continuity of
stewardship gives the garden a uniquely personal and feminine touch.
Unlike meticulously planned gardens, Kiftsgate evolved organically. Its design reflects the passage of time, with each generation
leaving a thoughtful mark. The result is a space that feels both mature and vibrantly alive—a true testament to the vision and care of its creators.
The house, perched majestically atop a ridge, serves as the centerpiece of the garden. From here, the garden unfolds in rooms, each with a different mood, before cascading down the hillside with breathtaking views of the valley and distant hills.
The Garden Rooms: Surrounding the house are a series of intimate garden rooms, each with its own atmosphere. The Sun-Dial Garden, Rose Garden, and Green Walk are just a few of the beautifully curated spaces.
The Former Tennis Court: Anne Chambers transformed this space into an elegant water garden. Large stepping stones lead to a grassy island at its center, where a sculptural installation reflects the sky in the water below, inviting quiet contemplation.
The Half-Moon Pool: At the garden’s boundary, this striking pool (originally a swimming pool) reflects the sky, creating a sense of infinity. It’s a perfect culmination to the garden’s steep, winding descent, punctuated by umbrella pines that stand like sentinels along the hillside.
Kiftsgate is also renowned for its roses, particularly the towering Rosa filipes ‘Kiftsgate’, which has famously overtaken a tree. Though summer is a highlight for blooms, the garden offers beauty and interest year-round, with a thoughtfully balanced palette of foliage, texture, and seasonal displays.
Hidcote Manor Garden
Just across the street from Kiftsgate lies Hidcote Manor Garden, a creation of American horticulturist Lawrence Johnston. While geographically close, Hidcote’s style is entirely distinct. Here, geometry reigns supreme, with the garden meticulously planned and laid out according to a precise design.
Garden Highlights
• The Garden Rooms: Enclosed by neat yew hedges, these rooms epitomize the Arts and Crafts garden style. Each
offers a unique sensory experience, with Johnston’s love for exuberant, colorful plantings bringing them to life.
• The Long Border: A quintessential feature of English gardens, this sweeping border showcases Johnston’s skill
as a plantsman and provides a feast for the eyes, whether you’re an avid gardener or a romantic at heart.
Hidcote offers a more structured contrast to Kiftsgate’s organic charm. Its balance of meticulous design and lush planting displays makes it an
equally inspiring destination for visitors.
Two Gardens, One Journey
Visiting both Kiftsgate and Hidcote on the same day provides a fascinating glimpse into two distinct approaches to gardening. While one celebrates natural evolution and personal legacy, the other is a triumph of artistic precision. Together, they tell a story of creativity, passion, and the enduring power of gardens to inspire.
Which garden speaks to you? Or, better yet, why not visit both and let the Cotswolds’ iconic gardens leave their lasting impression?
Write a comment