New Cottage Garden Begins at Athelhampton: Restoring the Historic Toll House Garden in Dorset
- Owen Davies - Estate Manager
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
Work has begun on an exciting new garden project at Athelhampton House & Gardens, as we turn our attention to the historic toll house of the Dorchester to Wimborne Turnpike Trust, located at the edge of the gardens near the church designed by Thomas Hardy.
This small but significant building, once part of the working life of Dorset’s historic road network, will now be brought back to life through the creation of a new cottage garden in Dorset, inspired by traditional planting and historic character.
A New Garden with Historic Roots
The aim is to create a garden that feels entirely in keeping with the toll house itself, drawing on the charm and informality of a classic English cottage garden. This will be a softer, more intimate space, designed to contrast with the structure and scale of Athelhampton’s formal gardens.
In time, the planting will include a carefully chosen selection of fragrant and sensory plants, creating a garden that engages not only the eye, but also the sense of smell. This sensory element will add a new dimension to the visitor experience, encouraging guests to pause, linger, and connect more closely with the planting.
The First Step: A Traditional Chestnut Picket Fence
Every garden begins with its boundaries, and the first stage of this project has been the installation of a new chestnut picket fence, now completed by the Athelhampton team.
Chestnut fencing is a traditional and sustainable choice, widely used in the English countryside. Made from split sweet chestnut, it is naturally durable and resistant to decay, requiring no chemical treatment. Its soft, irregular form sits comfortably within a rural setting, making it particularly suited to a cottage style garden.
The fence not only defines the space but immediately establishes the character of the garden, creating a sense of enclosure while maintaining an open and welcoming feel.
Looking Ahead
With the structure now in place, attention will turn to planting in the coming weeks. As the garden develops, it will become a quiet and evocative corner of Athelhampton, linking the estate’s rich history with a new layer of horticultural interest.
This latest project forms part of our ongoing work to enhance the gardens at Athelhampton, ensuring there is always something new to discover, while remaining rooted in the landscape and history of Dorset.
Plan Your Visit
Athelhampton House & Gardens is open throughout the year, offering over 20 rooms to explore alongside more than five acres of award winning gardens.
Come and see the new toll house garden take shape and experience one of Dorset’s most historic and evolving garden settings.
