So you want to live... in The Secret Garden
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.If ever there was a true-life counterpart to the fictional place, this three-and-a-half acre brick-walled retreat would be it. Set in the middle of Pembrokeshire, it is surrounded on all sides by rolling hills and hedgerows.
Wasn't that a fictional place?
Spot on, and if ever there was a true-life counterpart, this three-and-a-half acre brick-walled retreat would be it. Set in the middle of Pembrokeshire, it is surrounded on all sides by rolling hills and hedgerows.
Sounds great, who knows about it?
Well, some of the locals in the nearby village but other than that, not a soul. Even the agents are fairly low-key about it all.
So what sort of garden would we be getting?
It's clear Alan Titchmarsh and his crew haven't been anywhere near this wild, slightly windswept place. One quadrant is overgrown with snowdrops, while there are sprinklings of bluebells and daffodils through the rest of the property. An ancient yew tree stands at the centre, while an avenue of hornbeams (similar to beech) covers one end.
Are there any man-made items?
At one end of the garden a ruined bothy still stands that, according to the agents, may once have housed an estate gardener (or his workshop). Other than that, the only sign of human interference are the one-storey-high, old brick walls surrounding the property.
So where would I sleep?
Unusually for a listed site there is planning consent for a six-bedroom home (although the height of the house cannot exceed the surrounding walls), to take up only a portion of one of the four quadrants. And the bothy itself could be restored and added to, so you could end up with quite the well-provided hideaway.
How much?
The Secret Garden is for sale for £300,000 through Pavilions of Splendour (01962 869123) and comes with an adjacent two-and-a-half acre paddock.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments