Dartington - Part II

There is so much beauty around the Dartington estate. Unfortunately, one quick visit doesn't allow one to see everything. Around each bend in the many garden paths, each corner of the imposing medieval buildings, there are delightful surprises waiting to enthral the senses.

Known as a year round national center of excellence in arts, music, performance and cinema in Britain, Dartington International Summer School is also world famous.


Entering the Great Hall.

Courtyard apartments adjoining the Great Hall.

Jacobs Pillow..........Peter Randall Page.

A pleasing blend of ancient and modern garden art.

Swan Fountain....Willi Soukop

Bluebell-lined pathways to secret places.
My unexpected visit to Dartington's gardens was perfectly timed. No crowds, pleasant weather, silence except for birdsong, Spring blooms in full color, even empty litter containers. Perfection in an English garden.

Wendy, of the beautiful Merlewood House, in Torquay, took me on this wonderful garden tour. See my sidebar for information on accommodation at Wendy's delightful B&B ~ a great place to stay in Devon.

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.