HOUSE & GARDEN

Swannington Manor is a traditional Norfolk Grade 11 country house approached from the village by a long gravel drive and set within mature 7 acre gardens.

To the front of the house which faces east is a grass paddock with large beech and oak trees, surrounded by mixed woodland.

Surrounding the house are varied lawns and gardens developed over time. The most distinguishing feature is a 300 year old yew hedge on the western margin with additional yew and box hedging that create and enclose private spaces.

The gardens have developed over the years and feature many interesting mature trees such as our favourite a stunning Indian bean tree (Catalpa Bignonoides aura) with orchid like flowers – and beans, a tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), two Ginko biloba.

Huge numbers of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells, plus aconites, cyclamen and violets. Mature trees and evergreens  – holly, yew, laurel and Portuguese laurel. Approaching the house there are rhododendrons and a large hidden camelia.

To the south and west of the house surrounded by hedging and features in April two magnolia trees.

Features a rectangular formal pond with small fountain and paving.

An everchanging rock garden flower bed, lawn and shrubbery with a naturally fed mini stream or rill.

A small lawn surrounded by pink fairy roses, adjoining a bed of white roses.

The herbaceous border and triple summer flower beds. Facing south the wide herbaceous border contains a mass of flowers and aromas in summer plus three new flower beds leading to a lead pineapple fountain.

A summer house and barbecue area with north and south facing terraces with pot plants.

A new potager type garden with raised beds. A soft fruit and brassica cage.

West of the wet garden with frogs in the spring and within the Hengrave common, an area of natural vegetation used mostly by insects and birds.