Water Gardens

Originally created by the Beddington famiy who owned Longstock Grange before it was purchased by Spedan Lewis, the Water Gardens were extensively remodelled, extended and developed after he moved to the house in 1945.

Creating the water garden was no mean feat as it was dug out by hand by the gardening staff. Channels were excavated, topsoil was retained and put back for planting and a narrow carrier controlled by a sluice was dug from the River Test.

In 1985 The Field described the project as “one of the most ingenious gardening projects of this century” and the gardens are now enjoyed by hundreds of visitors every year.