Locally Registered Garden: Fontmell Parva (DDO19744)

Brief description of site: The estate is situated north of Child Okeford on flat ground on the eastern bank of the River Stour. The land is of upper and lower greensand. The house is approached from the east through gate piers. Formal walled garden behind the house to the west is approached through a screen with railings with a central gate embellished with the St Loe arms. Brief history of site: The house was originally a post civil war construction of about 1665 probably for Edward St Loe. In the 19th century work was carried out for the Bower family by George Evans of Wimborne, including the wings and stables. Significance: The gardens provide a charming picturesque setting for a grade II* listed building giving the ensemble a greater significance. The wrought iron gates and walls of the walled gardens to the rear of the house are exceptional. Sources: J Hutchins The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset Vol. IV 1870 p 80 RCHM Vol. III part 1, p 80 John Newman and Nikolaus Pevsner The Buildings of Britain - Dorse

Record last edited

Aug 10 2016 4:44PM