2019 Arreton Open Gardens Day raised £2,200

Report from the July issue of the Isle of Wight Islander magazine.
Photographs By Arreton Traveller

Arreton threw open the gates of nine of it's prettiest gardens for the village's popular annual gardens open day on June 9th 2019 and according to organisers, the huge numbers of visitors who attended made it the most successful one yet. 

In fact, almost 400 paying visitors passed through the gardens, as well as numbers of children and students. And, as well as enjoying the sights and scents of some classic English country gardens, the visitors helped organisers to raise a grand total of £2,200 for the Relate and St John's Ambulance charities.

Arreton Manor Gardens

Along with the well-known gardens at Arreton Manor and The Old Vicarage, another garden of particular interest was that of Station House, located in the former Horringford Station, which borders the Newport to Sandown cycle path. The Newport to Sandown branch line closed in 1956, and the house subsequently passed from a number of owners, then was bought by Lynn and James Roberts 15 years ago. 

The original platform of the former station can still be seen in the garden, which is bordered by the fast-flowing River Yar, whilst to the rear of the garden is a large paddock for a horse. 

Hazely Manor Gardens

Another fascinating garden full of intriguing features was that of Horringford House, owned by Adrian and Sarah Green. Built in 1640 for Oliver Cromwell's grandson, Horringford House was subsequently extended in 1718. Its garden contains a large and picturesque lake, complete with an island in the centre and a family of geese and goslings, which can be viewed from the cycle path running alongside.