Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-iford3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76059" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-iford3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-iford3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-iford3-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-iford3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-iford3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>photo: Marianne Cartwright-Hignett</figcaption></figure>



<p>Set in 2.5 acres of terraced hillside overlooking an unspoilt valley on the Somerset-Wiltshire border, this romantic, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ifordmanor.co.uk/" target="_blank">award-winning Grade 1 listed garden</a>, will, we swear, transport you to another world.  Designed by Edwardian architect-designer Harold Peto when it was his home between 1899-1933, this magical little corner really is something very special.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76060" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford6-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford6-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>photo: Marianne Cartwright-Hignett</figcaption></figure>



<p>Totally insta-tastic, you’ll wander past colonnades and pools with 
stunning views in every direction. Antiquities are framed with an expert
 eye, and Peto’s love for beauty and history is palpable. It’s a dreamy 
mix of Roman ruin and English country garden with a dose of Japanese zen
 that left us relaxed and inspired.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76061" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford7-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford7-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>photo: Marianne Cartwright-HIgnett</figcaption></figure>



<p>This is not a massive garden for a hearty walk, a picnic or a game of  football. This is somewhere intimate to take your time and appreciate  the peace and the detail. Take your date, your partner, your mates, your  Mum; even go on your own (we’re considering a sole season ticket!), but  don’t take the kids (except to the cafe). </p>



<p>There is an amazing sense of place here; the garden is full of 
unexpected treats and surprises, and is fascinating as much for those 
with (erm) no knowledge of or particular interest in gardens. Even if 
this is as far as you get from home this year, you’ll feel like you’ve 
been away.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76062" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford4-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford4-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>photo: Simon Knight</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHEN?</h2>



<p>In the summer the gardens are open to the public 11am-4pm Weds – Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://ifordmanor.digitickets.co.uk/tickets" target="_blank">Booking advisable</a>. No under-tens admitted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ARRIVAL</h2>



<p>You’ll know you’ve arrived in this secret spot when you descend a  steep stone-walled lane and see Britannia looking down on you from the  ancient bridge. Alternatively get the train to Freshford Station (one  stop from Bath) for a picturesque half-hour walk to the estate, or take a  ten-minute cab ride from Bradford-on-Avon train station.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>You&#8217;re in for a treat in the Iford Manor Restaurant &amp; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ifordmanor.co.uk/cafe-at-iford-manor" target="_blank">Cafe</a>. Head Chef Matthew Briddon, who came 11<sup>th</sup> in the prestigious National Chef of the Year competition, cooks up a delicious, wholesome menu using super fresh locally sourced ingredients, much of which comes from the Iford farm and estate and includes homemade pastries, pizza, sausage Wellingtons and cake. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76063" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-10.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-10-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-10-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-10-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We say afternoon tea, which includes Mediterranean bruschetta instead of traditional finger sarnies, on the south facing cafe terrace after visiting the garden is a pretty perfect combo.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Iford-manor-c-Marianne-Cartwright-Hignett_afternoon-tea-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76054" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Iford-manor-c-Marianne-Cartwright-Hignett_afternoon-tea-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Iford-manor-c-Marianne-Cartwright-Hignett_afternoon-tea-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Iford-manor-c-Marianne-Cartwright-Hignett_afternoon-tea-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Iford-manor-c-Marianne-Cartwright-Hignett_afternoon-tea-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Iford-manor-c-Marianne-Cartwright-Hignett_afternoon-tea-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Iford-manor-c-Marianne-Cartwright-Hignett_afternoon-tea-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Iford-manor-c-Marianne-Cartwright-Hignett_afternoon-tea-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Iford-manor-c-Marianne-Cartwright-Hignett_afternoon-tea.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>photo: Marianne Cartwright-Hignett</figcaption></figure>



<p>Their themed supper club evenings, often preceded by a Champagne tour of the gardens, book up quickly (just saying).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">STAY OVER</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/10-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76064" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/10-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/10-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/10-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/10-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/10-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Can&#8217;t drag yourself away? Stay over in the holiday rental <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ifordmanor.co.uk/stay" target="_blank">Rowley Cottage</a>.  This historic house, adjacent to the manor, is a dream come true for  anyone interested in architecture or gardens (or just luxuriously lazy  holidays) – check out that wood panelling; the thickness of the walls!  Parts date back to the twelfth century. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/rowley-dining-room.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76065" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/rowley-dining-room.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/rowley-dining-room-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/rowley-dining-room-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/rowley-dining-room-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/rowley-dining-room-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The sympathetic refurb is spot-on, and echoes the gorgeous design of 
the restaurant (same designers). Somehow the stylish update manages to 
shine a light on Iford, rather than overshadow it with fashion. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/11-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76066" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/11-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/11-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/11-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/11-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/11-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are three double bedrooms, some with roll top baths, French  beds with luxury mattresses, waterfall showers – we say yes please, when  can we check in? It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a retreat or  civilised get-together; possibly not the best choice for kids. The  location (deceptively near the A30) is a really handy base for exploring  the south west, a short drive to Bath, Avebury, Frome and Longleat.  There’s privileged access to those exquisite gardens – first thing  before visitors arrive. Book ahead and you could combine with a Friday night supper club next door – what a weekend that would be. We  just know booking is going to be competitive when word gets out, so get  in there while you can.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Champagne Garden Tours</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-champagne.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76067" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-champagne.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-champagne-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-champagne-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-champagne-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/iford-champagne-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>photo: Marianne Cartwright-Hignett</figcaption></figure>



<p>These are led by resident William Cartwright-Hignett – both he and  wife Marianne are incredibly knowledgable and have a totally infectious  enthusiasm for the place. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://ifordmanor.digitickets.co.uk/tickets" target="_blank">The tours</a>, which run throughout the summer, sell-out super-fast, so fingers on the button.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford-evening.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76068" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford-evening.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford-evening-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford-evening-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford-evening-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/Iford-evening-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>photo: Marianne Cartwright-Hignett</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ifordmanor.co.uk/box-office" target="_blank">Iford Manor Jazz Festival</a></h2>



<p>The Cartwright-Hignetts combine their belief in Iford as restorative  and healing (especially post-Covid) with their passion for live music and their support for artists by bringing world-class classical and jazz  musicians to Iford Manor. This July sees the very first <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ifordmanor.co.uk/ifordmanorjazzfestival-2022" target="_blank">Iford Manor Jazz Festival 2022,</a> curated by jazz legend Claire Martin OBE. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/bounce-back-post.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76069" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/bounce-back-post.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/bounce-back-post-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/bounce-back-post-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/bounce-back-post-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/bounce-back-post-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>photo: William Cartright-Hignett</figcaption></figure>



<p>By day, follow a jazz trail around the gardens to the sound of young, up and coming jazz musicians or enjoy a three-course lunch accompanied by acclaimed pianist Rebecca Nash and her trio. By night, wander around the gardens, have a glass of fizz at the Champagne bar, bring a picnic and your dancing shoes: Joe Stilgoe &amp; his trio<strong><em> </em></strong>are in concert on Fri 22 July; the ‘King of Swing’ Ray Gelato &amp; the Giants on Sat 23 July. The Grammy Award nominated Dr Martin Taylor MBE is playing virtuoso guitar in the candlelit cloisters on Sun 24 July. Sends a tingle down the spine just thinking about it. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Book here.  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.ifordmanor.co.uk/box-office" target="_blank">Book here.</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Joe-Stilgoe-Grin-at-piano-002-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76056" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Joe-Stilgoe-Grin-at-piano-002-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Joe-Stilgoe-Grin-at-piano-002-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Joe-Stilgoe-Grin-at-piano-002-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Joe-Stilgoe-Grin-at-piano-002-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Joe-Stilgoe-Grin-at-piano-002-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/00-Joe-Stilgoe-Grin-at-piano-002.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Joe Stilgo</figcaption></figure>



<p><em><a href="https://www.ifordmanor.co.uk">Iford Manor Estate</a>, Nr Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 2BA</em></p>


Review: Iford Manor Estate, near Frome

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