Durcombe Water


Just over the border – a garden open for the late May Bank Holiday – Durcombe Water is a hidden garden full of surprises and spectacular views nestling in a small valley but high up on Exmoor, more than 1000 feet above sea level, not far from Lynton on the North Devon coast.


Created in the past eight years from scratch by David Sydenham and his wife Pam, there are terraces, waterfalls, pond and stream, and masses of colour at this time of year with flowering shrubs, perennials and annuals.


The country lane towards Durcombe Water gives wonderful views across a rarely visited part of Exmoor. The house and its two and a half acre garden in the hamlet of Furzehill is near the source of the West Lyn river.


The gardens are once again pristine and a delight to walk in, with a clear stream and lake


Now you walk through the long pergola which has 54 climbing roses of the period when it was built, chosen for their gently graduating colour tones, walking past the little pond and fountain and the Victorian ornamental iron garden seats, to the statue at the end and to the clear water, then woodland beyond.


There is a new plantation of specimen trees, a new pond area with a Chinese house, and the woodland walk is being developed with spring bulbs and ferns, hostas and shrubs. The idea is that there will be a circular walk between the pergola and the walled garden.


Mrs Wilkins has had a walled kitchen garden built, a potager with aqua-painted greenhouse and potting shed behind. The old kitchen garden had been far from the house and was sold off years ago, and with the rampant rabbit population, a new walled area was necessary if she was to grow fruit and vegetables.


After three years it is fully productive, with two fine asparagus beds and other beds on a four-year rotation. The walls are lined with colourful plants, and there is another nod to Chinoiserie in the ironwork above two of the beds.


By the house is a parterre of box hedging with herbs, a pond and a fountain, surrounded by a listed late 18th century balustrade in the Hindu-Moorish style. A border by the parterre was replanted in 2007.


Near the parterre and recessed into the retaining wall is a fascinating roofless stone building referred to in earlier documents as The Fernery.


One day that may be restored. That is a project for the future. There are many fascinating little historical insights here, but new areas are being planted as well. It is a garden that is still developing after nearly three centuries.


The gardens are open for a weekend in June in aid of the village hall repairs and restoration (see below), but groups may apply to visit by appointment at other times.


Location: Lydeard House, West Street, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton TA4 3AU.


Open Garden Plus – with music, art and craft exhibitions: Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June, 1pm – 5pm.


Admission: £3, children free. Home made teas. Limited wheelchair access. No dogs.


For more details contact: 01823 430421


Durcombe Water is a hidden garden full of surprises in a small valley high up on Exmoor


Country Gardener 17


From the garden’s south facing terrace, visitors can look down upon the first part of the garden to be created, to the stream at the bottom which feeds into the Lyn. The terraces are a colourful blend of azaleas and rhododendrons, annuals and perennials. At the far end is a large pond with another stream which tumbles down over rocks through a series of waterfalls falling 40 feet through eight tiered ponds.


There is a fruit and vegetable garden, and beyond that a walk uphill through an avenue of poplar trees interspersed with rhododendrons. Sitting on the seat at the top the 180 degree view can be seen of panoramic views across Exmoor.


On the way down there are some unusual trees, and then the pergola walk along to the bridge that crosses the stream. This leads to two large circular gardens sheltered by fir trees and planted in a cottage garden style.


The Oriental – Keyhole and Art Gallery garden is a newer part of the garden with a distinctive design. The art work is made up of plants grouped for their colour effect on trellis going out like spokes of a wheel. It has to be seen to be appreciated.


Part of the garden was wasteland, but it has certainly been tamed by the Sydenhams, and David, who is nearly 70 now, does not seem to be running out of ideas for developing the garden.


Cream teas, cakes and Pam’s home made scones can be enjoyed on the terrace from which the wonderful views can still be seen.


Location: Durcombe Water, Furzehill, Barbrook, Lynton EX35 6LN. Three miles south of Lynton. From Barnstaple take the A39 towards Lynton. At Barbrook go past the Total garage but do not take the turn to Lynton, instead take the next right turn about 100 yards further on. Follow the single track road for two miles and find the gates of Durcombe Water on the left.


Open: Sunday 30th May and Bank Holiday Monday 31st May, 11am – 5pm. Also by appointment through the summer.


Admission: £3, children free Telephone: 01598 753658


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