Visit to Little Dartmouth

Positioned on a South Devon headland, Little Dartmouth Farm overlooks the sea.

In 2007 Sally and Edward Benthall begun an award-winning restoration and remodelling of both the farmhouse and outbuildings. They engaged Dan Pearson to design and create a garden from the collapsing sheds and the rough agricultural ground in between and overseeing the landscaping beyond. Natives hedges and trees were planted to blend into the broader landscape, and a more decorative palette was used at the heart of the garden, all with biodiversity, sustainability and resilience as key priorities.

The house looks out to sea where the planting is deliberately kept simple to maintain a natural dialogue with the broader landscape: mown and long grass flower-rich meadows, a pond and small copses frame the breathtaking views. Behind the main house, a sheltered walled garden was created and filled with a more elaborate mix including unusual Hoheria, Magnolia, Euphorbia, Drimys and Cornus; clipped evergreens give way to frothy underplanting. Terracing above the walled garden provides space for a productive garden of vegetables, fruit and flowers with an orchard and working farm beyond.

The visit will be led by Sally Benthall, who will give an introduction to the garden before the garden tour, and provide tea and cake afterwards in the Stone Barn.