Visit to Little Dartmouth

About This Event

Positioned on a south Devon headland, Little Dartmouth Farm overlooks the sea.

In 2007 Sally & Edward Benthall began an award-winning restoration and remodelling of both

the farmhouse and outbuildings. They engaged Dan Pearson to design and create a garden from

the collapsing sheds and the rough agricultural ground in between and oversee the landscaping

beyond. Natives hedges and trees were planted to blend into the broader landscape, and a more

decorative palette was used at the heart of the garden, all with biodiversity, sustainability and

resilience as key priorities.

The house looks out to sea where the planting is deliberately kept simple to maintain a natural

dialogue with the broader landscape: mown and long grass flower-rich meadows, a pond and

small copses frame the breathtaking views. Behind the main house, a sheltered walled garden was

created and filled with a more elaborate mix including unusual Hoheria, Magnolia, Euphorbia,

Drimys and Cornus; clipped evergreens give way to frothy underplanting. Terracing above the

walled garden provides space for a productive garden of vegetables, fruit and flowers with an

orchard and working farm beyond.

The visit will be led by Sally Benthall, who will give an introduction to the garden before the

garden tour, and provide tea and cake afterwards in the Stone Barn.