Lushly Romantic - Peto Garden at Iford Manor

Iford Manor – Peto Garden Stairway  © Alice Joyce

An influential figure of the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, architect Harold Peto lent his name and remarkable artistry to the garden at Iford Manor, near the city of Bath in Bradford on Avon, England.

Iford Garden Wisteria and Fountain © Alice Joyce

In Iford Manor’s idealized setting, Peto created a captivating landscape, now restored and open to the public. The potency of the Peto Garden is enticing, a place to wander delightedly amid terraces reminiscent of an Italian villa. To take in breathtaking vistas…..

Iford Manor Peto Garden Vista 

Iford Manor River God  © Alice Joyce

Working during the Edwardian period, Peto designed a garden steeped in a lush romanticism: a style that rings true despite nostalgic references. In leaving his mark upon the Wiltshire landscape, Peto forged a gateway to another  era, an oasis of great beauty.

Iford Manor Peto Garden Great Terrace © Alice Joyce

Magnificent hardscape elements harmonize with emerald green topiary; the garden’s terraces and buildings clothed in exuberant Spring-blooming Wisteria, Ceanothus and Choisya.

Iford: Stone Bench © Alice Joyce

   Topiary and Fountain © Alice Joyce

Peto furnished the landscape with arrays of stone statuary and bronze sculptures:The eye-catching ornamentation provides compelling counterpoints throughout the layout, from the arcadian Loggia to the Blue Pool, Casita to the Cloisters and Japanese Garden.

Iford Manor – Peto Garden Canal © Alice Joyce

Iford Manon Peto Garden Cloisters © Alice Joyce

Iford Manor – Peto Garden

Iford Manor draped in Wisteria © Alice Joyce