[dropcap type =”circle”]T[/dropcap]he Cherwell Valley has many beautiful places to see, but if a truly English country garden is something that you lust after, then a visit to Rousham Gardens is an absolute must as at the moment it looks pretty spectacular!
Rousham represents the first phase of English landscape design and remains almost as William Kent left it, one of the few gardens of this date to have escaped alteration, with many features which delighted eighteenth century visitors to Rousham still in situ, such as the ponds and cascades in Venus’s Vale, the Cold Bath, and seven arched Praeneste, Townsend’s Building, the Temple of the Mill, and, on the skyline, a sham ruin known as the ‘Eyecatcher’.
The house, built in 1635 by Sir Robert Dormer, is still in the ownership of the same family. Kent added the wings and the stable block. The south front is almost as Kent left it, but for the replacement of the octagonal glazing with plain glass. This was unfortunately carried out by the architect St. Aubyn when he added the north side of the house in 1876. Kent made alterations to the interior of the house, which retains some 17th century panelling and the original staircases, furniture, pictures and bronzes.
Don’t miss the walled garden with its herbacious borders, small parterre, pigeon house and espalier apple trees. A fine herd of rare Long-Horn cattle are to be seen in the park. When you visit Rousham you will find it uncommercial and unspoilt with no tea room and no shop. Bring a picnic, wear comfortable shoes and it is yours for the day.
Rousham is also available for wedding receptions, photographic shoots and events such as car club rallies. No children under 15. No dogs.
Rousham Gardens are open every day of the year from 10am. Last admission is at 4.30 pm and the gardens close at dusk. Tickets for the garden are £6 per person.
For more information go to www.rousham.org
