Now that autumn has arrived unfashionably early, with storms and floods reported in various spots across the northern hemisphere, let’s eek out what is left of summer with some dreamy outdoor scenes at Chalfield Manor; a charming medieval estate open to the public:

Built in the mid-to-late 15th century, Chalfield Manor is a traditional moated residence first owned by lawyer and landowner, Thomas Tropenell, and has appeared in numerous period dramas including Wolf Hall, The Other Boleyn Girl and Poldark, in which it doubles as Killewarran House.

The focal point of the estate are the beautiful gardens, featuring various lawns, an orchard, a spring-fed pond garden, yew topiary houses and a stunning rose garden within a medieval courtyard, planted in such a way as to give the impression of ‘waterfalls of roses’ cascading across the area. There is a host of different colours and varieties of flowers across the landscape, featuring a wealth of classic English choices such as Lavendar, Daisy, Pink Roses and bold Hydrangeas. The Arts and Crafts garden was designed by Alfred Parsons; an English Painter (1847-1920) whose work largely consisted of flowers and gardens.

The historic house has been sold only twice, after remaining in the same family until the 17th century when it was sold to Sir Richard Gurney, a mayor of London, and then to George Fuller MP in the 1900s. It was the Fullers who left the property to the National Trust, through whom the public can now visit the house today.

See more of the property and how you can visit at the National Trust’s website, where Chalfield Manor is described as:
‘This beautiful medieval manor sits in peaceful countryside. Cross the upper moat, passing barns, gatehouse and delightful parish church to enjoy fine oriel windows and the soldiers, griffins and monkey adorning the rooftops. Romantic gardens offer terraces, topiary houses, gazebo, lily pond, roses and views across the spring-fed fishpond’

View more beautiful British homes and their gardens in previous posts such as Tintinhull House, English Cottges, Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, or a closer look at borders in typical English gardens.

feature image: Copyright Des Blenkinsopp, Creative Commons