Garsington Manor

Garsington Manor is a 17th-century house with limestone walls, ornate chimneys, and steeply pitched gable roofs situated within formal gardens. The grounds connect the residential spaces with carefully designed outdoor areas laid out in geometric patterns.

The estate was built in 1630 on land that once held monastic buildings belonging to Abingdon Abbey. After the monasteries were dissolved, the property became available for the manor's construction.

The house served as a meeting place where writers and artists spent time together and walked through the grounds during the early 20th century. Visitors can still see the rooms and gardens where these gatherings took place.

The estate has limited public access but occasionally opens its gardens through the National Gardens Scheme for guided visits. Check ahead for available visiting days before planning a trip to the site.

The gardens feature 24 geometric beds with box hedging and Italian areas containing a large ornamental pool surrounded by yew trees. These formal outdoor spaces display a level of detail that visitors often miss when focusing on the house itself.