Cothay Manor and Gatcombe Court July 2010
Visit to Cothay Manor and Gatcombe Court – Friday 2 July 2010
There was a sense of anticipation as to what awaited us as we approached Cothay Manor. About two years ago it had been the subject of a television programme featuring Ruth Watson, the one-time Hotel Inspector, which many of us had seen, who had now turned her attention to rescuing struggling, privately-owned properties open to the public. Cothay Manor’s gardens on their own were not bringing in sufficient income to maintain the house and it was losing money. Ruth Watson approached the problem in her usual robust manner but one felt that she had met her match in Mrs. Robb. It is not for nothing that her grandchildren call her Snapdragon, or more, politely, Antirrhinum!
However, it would seem that all of Ruth Watson’s suggestions had been implemented. There are now guided tours of the beautiful and fascinating interior, said to be the finest example of a small medieval manor in England. The Robb’s daughter, Charlie has been brought in to take over the running of the property, with other help as well. The refreshment area has been much improved; there are well-grown and unusual plants for sale and even an antique shop!
The garden is even more beautiful than it was when the Holburne Friends visited many years ago. The 200 yard yew walk then planted with hundreds of blue iris has had its season extended by over-planting with billowing massed catmint. The soft blue haze is just magical. Another highlight in this plantsman’s paradise has to be the urns. They overflow with exuberant, glorious planting kept in good health, we were told, by Chempak No. 4.
It was difficult to drag ourselves away from this wonderful place but Gatcombe Manor at Flax Bourton, did not disappoint. The house, standing on the site of a Roman settlement, is scheduled as an ancient monument and the garden as an Historic Park. The house is a perfect example of recycling. One fireplace has a lintel that is probably an altar stone and another the top of a sarcophagus. It has been extended from the original solar, built about 1254 by John de Gatcombe, and now has distinct elements from the 14th, 16th, 17th and 20th centuries. The 21st century addition is a herb garden, designed by Jekka McVicar. After a very welcome tea cup of tea and delicious cake we made our weary but happy way back to Bath. Another triumph of choice and organisation by William!
