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Romantic English Gardens Surrounding a Historic listed Jacobean House, Set in Beautiful East Sussex / Kent Countryside
A Romantic English garden surrounds a historic listed Jacobean house.

This romantic four acre garden has been developed since the present owners took over a decade ago. The 80’s hurricane removed some of the mature trees and rhododendrons, but many remain.

There are a number of formal and informal water features and a wild garden incorporating bulbs in spring and roses in summer. Main borders include softly – coloured old roses and herbaceous plantings.

King John's Lodge History

The garden surrounds a fine historic listed Jacobean house, with earlier parts and later additions.

Legend has it that King John II was taken prisoner by the Black Prince and held captive here in 1356. Dating back to Jacobean times and substantially expanded thereafter, the house has been carefully restored by the Cunninghams, who have retained many of the original architectural features such as stone and inglenook fireplaces, stone mullioned windows with leaded lights, and heavy beams.

The Secret Garden

The secret garden, a favourite area, leads to the attractive garden house, which in turn leads through a buttercup meadow to a fine converted barn covered in rose and white solanum.

Beyond the Lilly Pond visitors can walk in the parkland surrounding the garden where there are splendid views towards Burwash and the beautiful Sussex countryside beyond. Sheep graze peacefully and are sometime joined by Percy the Peacock and the white fantail pigeons.

King John’s Lodge is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), between Tunbridge Wells and Rye with Stunning views across the beautiful Sussex Countryside.

Beautifully landscaped into the garden is a swimming pool, tennis court and croquet lawn all of which can be used by guests at certain times.
Private Garden Openings

Garden lovers may visit the garden any day from April to October but by arrangement only. Please contact Jill Cunningham to organise this.

Entrance is charged at:

  • £3.00 per person
  • children FREE
  • Groups welcome
  • £1 extra for Tour of House

Group Bookings:
Guided tours, Refreshments and Lunch are available if booked in advance.
Refreshments: Cake & Coffee from £2.00pp
Buffet lunch from £7.50pp

For larger groups Jill Cunningham will consider doing either buffet lunch or tea by previous arrangement.
Charity Garden Openings

As a member of the National Garden Scheme we have been asked by a number of charities to open our garden each year to the public

Entrance is between £3.50 and £5.00 and delicious teas are available on these days.
To find out the dates please either go to the relevant charity website listed above or contact us directly (see below for details)
The Garden openings are usually in the months of MMM.

Gardens of Interest Nearby

Statues for Sale