The Walled Gardens at Croome Court
Britain's largest Georgian walled gardens and the meticulous restoration project of the Cronins since 2000. Open in partnership with National Trust Croome.
There is speculation amongst those in the know, as to the original primary function of this versatile building but it has become known to us as the ‘Fig House’ over the years. With the restoration of the Melon House under our belts, we were ready to expand our knowledge and experience once again.
As the bricks are carefully removed and stacked in the usual way, a new vista unfolds from an upstairs window of the cottage. More over, the complete view of the woodland from the porch is almost irresistible. For a second time in recent history the Gardeners Cottage is unveiled and in harmony with its older familiar surroundings.
Not only were the walls built on a slope but, in places the bricks followed suit. This meant that some fundamental building practices had to be breached in order to replicate the peculiar original design.
Summer again…
We had been aware, for some time, of a large water tank which resided under the terrace below the Melon House. Evidence of the old conduits provided a suitable plan for the new hydraulic system. Rain water from the roof is captured by gutters on both sides of the Melon House and collected in the underground tank. All we have to do is turn on the tap and, “Eureka”, we have an abundant supply of pure rain water.
