Leonardslee Gardens
Leonardslee Gardens in Lower Beeding is one of the most impressive gardens in Sussex.
The estate is constructed around a series of seven ponds, some of which are recent creations, and some of which were in use many centuries ago when this part of Sussex was an important iron-working location.
Features
Leonardslee contains:
- a large, 19th-century stone house;
- many examples of rhododendrons and azaleas, which thrive on Leonardslee’s acidic soil;
- a rock garden (see the photograph above), laid out by the Victorian landscape gardener, James Pulham ;
- a population of wallabies;
- much other wildlife, including swans, ducks, geese, and koi carp;
- a collection of Victorian cars, some of which take part in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run ;
- a collection of dolls’ houses.
Access to Leonardslee Gardens
Leonardslee was developed by Sir Edmund Loder and his descendants from the late 19th century onwards, and has been open to the public for many years.
The property was sold for about £5 million in early 2010 to an east European businessman, who has decided not to permit the general public access to the gardens.
Nursery and Plant Sales
The Loder family nursery is still open to the public. See their website for information.
Other Gardens near Pease Pottage
- Nymans Garden in Handcross
- High Beeches in Handcross
Contact Details
- website
- www.leonardsleegardens.com
- info@leonardsleegardens.com
- phone
- 01403 891212
- address
- Lower Beeding, near Horsham, Sussex, RH13 6PP