Undaunted by the terrific rainstorm that heralded our arrival, 46 members of the Society spent a very enjoyable afternoon at Edmondsham House, not far from Verwood. The House is a Tudor Manor House with Georgian additions and is built on the site of a medieval Manor, which is mentioned in the Doomsday Book.
As the sun broke through the clouds our party divided up into two groups; one to be taken around the house by the owner, Mrs Julia Smith, the other group were taken around the grounds by the very knowledgeable head gardener.
The grounds have walled herbaceous borders a very well organised kitchen garden (so many country houses have lost these important features) as well as a paddock a dell and a beautifully restored Victorian stable block. In the grounds is the little church of St Nicholas which we were also encouraged to visit.
The house contains a fine Jacobean staircase as well as many artefacts and pieces of family memorabilia handed down by members of the family. Included in the portraits is a fine painting of Lewis Tregonwell founder of Bournemouth.
After our tours we were treated to some magnificent cake and a welcome cup of tea., taken not in some bland purpose built tea room but in the main rooms of the house itself-marvellous!
The Edmondsham House and Gardens are open every Wednesday and Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays during the months of April and October. It is well worth a visit.
Editor; we would all like to thank Sally Bowers for organising such an enjoyable outing
Painting above - Entrance to the walled Garden. Margaret Samuel
