Benton End House & Gardens Private Tour with Dinner and Overnight stay at the Marquis, Layham Suffolk

A unique opportunity, before it opens to the public, to visit Benton End House and Gardens in Hadleigh, Suffolk, the sixteenth century former home of celebrated artist-plantsman, Sir Cedric Morris and his partner, the artist and sculptor, Arthur Lett-Haines. The property is now owned by the Pinchbeck Charitable Trust which, along with the Garden Museum of London, is preparing to open it as a centre for the study of art and horticulture.

In this beautiful, historic, half-timbered house, itself a wonderful example of typical Suffolk architecture, Sir Cedric and Lett established the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing which was, in its time, to become one of the most original and influential centres for artists and writers of the 20th century. Amongst the long list of those who visited and worked there, were artists Lucien Freud, Francis Bacon, Christopher Wood, Paul and John Nash and Suffolk’s own Maggi Hambling, as well as the cookery writer Elizabeth David, the gardener/garden writer and owner of Sissinghurst Castle Vita Sackville-West, the florist Constance Spry, along with the musicians, Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears. Beth Chatto, who was a close and dear friend of Sir Cedric, credited him and the garden at Benton End with opening her eyes to the world of gardening and later established her own, now famous garden in nearby Essex. She is considered by many to have become one of the most accomplished plants women ever.

Two guests will be given a private tour of the Gardens by Sarah Cook, former Sissinghurst Head Gardener, who holds the National Plant Collection of irises bred by Sir Cedric Morris. Along with Howard Nurseries, Sarah was awarded Gold at 2015 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, for a display of these fine, vintage irises bred by Sir Cedric. A tour of the house and tea will also be offered.

The garden still contains a large number of bulbs grown by Sir Cedric and this is a unique opportunity to see it and the house before a conservation and renovation programme takes place. The best time to view would be from March to May 2021. The tour will also include a digital presentation of the garden as it was during Sir Cedric’s lifetime.

To complete this unique experience, luxury hotel and restaurant, The Marquis at Layham, is offering overnight accommodation and dinner for two. With elegant country suites, contemporary British food and a comfortable stylish bar, The Marquis is the perfect place to enjoy all that the region has to offer. Situated near Benton End, with stunning views across the Brett Valley, those same views which often featured in paintings by, and were certainly enjoyed, by Sir Cedric, Lett-Haines and their many famous visitors and students.

T&C’s Apply

• Final bidders to agree mutually convenient time and date for the Tour and Overnight stay (subject to availability), with Benton End House & Garden Trust, Sarah Cook and The Marquis Layham from Spring 2021
• Subject to related government guidelines
• Experience may not be resold or re-auctioned
• Please note final bidders are advised to view the Gardens between March – May 2021 when they will be at their best

Donated by: Benton End House & Garden Trust, Sarah Cook and The Marquis Layham

https://bentonend.co.uk/ and https://themarquissuffolk.co.uk/