HISTORIC Grade II listed gardens and lakes at Cricket St Thomas Hotel have re-opened to the public as work continues on a major £300,000 restoration programme.
The aim of the massive project, which has involved draining several man-made lakes to clear silt built up over 45 years, is to restore the gardens to their former glory and open up the magnificent vistas of one of Somerset’s most beautiful valleys.
The gardens and grounds cover 160 acres, and were originally created in the 19th Century by the second Lord Bridport.
Among features created were the chain of lakes and cascades formed by damming a small river that runs through the stunning valley, as well as several ornamental gardens.
Today, lawns of the elegant Regency country mansion Cricket House, instantly recognisable as the setting for BBC TV sitcom To The Manor Born, still feature the large cedars under which Admiral Lord Nelson and his mistress, Lady Hamilton, are believed to have spent many happy hours.
Among the work carried out by Warner Leisure Hotels has been the creation of a new grotto and bog garden designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner Kate Gould, and a rose garden maze in the shape of a rose bud.
The main entrance features a large new water feature by Richard Mercer and the beginnings of what will be a new wildflower garden.
Most of the larger animals from the former Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park, which closed last year after 42 years, have been permanently re-homed in other appropriate zoos and wildlife parks.
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