An outing in July 2019, literally, took us to pastures new – Tapeley Park, near Instow, North Devon. The Christie family has owned the Tapeley Park for almost 300 years. It overlooks the Torridge estuary with wonderful views across to Lundy Island and Saunton Sands. It looks out on to terraced gardens in a wide variety of styles and plantings as well as an ice house, a shell house and a permaculture garden developed by Hector Christie demonstrating principles of sustainable horticulture.
The Italian garden and the wonderful borders house some very rare plants grown successfully due to the micro climate. The walled kitchen garden produces organic vegetables and fruit for the Tea Rooms.
Hector Christie, charismatic brother to Gus of Glyndeborne, inherited Tapeley from his aunt. Hector, has led a colourful life, and enthusiastically explained his passions regarding pollution and agriculture, before showing us around the house.
