The Wind & the Wall

On February 18th, 2022, our walled garden suffered a significant setback when our Southeast wall collapsed during the powerful windstorm that swept the UK and Central Europe. This wall was one of the thinnest walls in the design and perhaps one of the first. The lower 1 meter of half the wall was built of stone with brick on top. The outside of the wall was covered with Ivy, which acted as a sail taking even more wind than elsewhere. This, along with a few already existing cracks, was the reason for its collapse. The wall is a testament to the craftsmanship of the 18th century, which had stood strong for nearly 300 years, only to succumb to the forces of nature shortly after we took ownership of the property. It was a poignant reminder of the fragility and impermanence of even the most enduring structures.

As we surveyed the aftermath of the fallen wall, we faced the daunting task of rebuilding it to its former glory. With a deep appreciation for the historical significance of the walled garden, we are committed to restoring it as faithfully as possible to its original design and construction. The fallen bricks, once carefully laid by skilled craftsmen, now lay scattered across the garden, awaiting the meticulous cleaning and sorting process.