The formal Garden (Sunk Garden) picture taken 1923. Photograph Country Life.

The Sunk Garden is one of the most peaceful and attractive parts of the gardens at Townhill Park House. It was designed in the early 1900s when the house and gardens were being improved by Lord and Lady Swaythling. The garden was laid out by architect Leonard Rome Guthrie, with help on the planting from garden designer Gertrude Jekyll.

This garden sits lower than the main terrace and is reached by stone steps. It was designed to be a quiet and formal area, with paths, walls, and flower beds arranged in a neat, balanced way. Originally, it was planted with colourful flowers, hedges, and seasonal displays.

Over time, the garden became overgrown and the stonework and paths were damaged. But thanks to restoration work by The Friends of Townhill Park House Gardens, the Sunk Garden has been carefully brought back to life. The Volunteers and experts repaired the stone steps and walls, cleared the overgrown plants, and replanted the garden using ideas from old photographs and plans.

Lady Swaythling in the Sunk Garden

You can view more information about the history of the gardens and the restoration and see Gertrude Jekyll’s original garden plans inside Townhill Park House on the information display boards situated on the ground floor.