Dartington Hall & Gardens - Part I

"What is life if not for experiment and new creation".......Leonard Elmhirst.

When social reformer Leonard Elmhirst, a Bloomsbury group member, and his wealthy American wife Dorothy discovered the neglected medieval manor of Dartington Hall, Devon, in 1925, they purchased it. Together they transformed an ailing rural economy through their conviction that art, education, research and work could be integrated into an abundant life for all.

Their experimental vision continues today. The Dartington College of Arts specializes in post-dramatic theatre, music, performance writing and visual performance, with students from around the world. The college, founded in 1961, having evolved as part of the original experiment in rural regeneration, unfortunately will be moved to Cornwall within the next year, merging with University College Falmouth due t0 funding problems.

Besides the beautiful medieval buildings, including the Great Hall, there are exquisite gardens developed under the personal supervision of Dorothy Elmhirst, with the help in the early days of garden designers Avray Tipping, Beatrix Farrand and Percy Cane. They continue to evolve today.

The Terraces.

It was a pleasure to be taken to visit the estate and gardens while home ~ a surprise outing thanks to the lovely lady who owned the B&B where we stayed for our last few days in Devon. We were amazed to learn that these beautiful gardens are maintained by a staff of three ~ wish I could borrow them for a short while to work some magic in my tiny garden!




The Terraces and the Sunny Border beyond the Great Hall.

Notice the sweet English robin on the arm of the Lutyens style bench.

The Spring Walk takes you through azaleas, rhododendrons, Japanese Maples and a very interesting bog garden complete with the appropriately named skunk cabbage (pugh!) and ducks.

Huge, knarled ancient oak and chestnut trees.

The sculpture, Memorial Figure, is by Henry Moore. Several other modern sculptures are placed in special nooks around the gardens. In the background are twelve Irish Yews called

The Twelve Apostles.

Next time, a few more peeks around the Dartington estate.