Houghton Hall, the early 18th century hall of Great Britain’s First Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, had two very distinct draws for my interest besides the main mansion.

One was the Deer Park, which I discussed in my last post.

The other was the magnificent 5-acre walled garden. An area of the garden has been retained as a kitchen garden, but most has been laid out as a series of ornamental gardens in various styles.

It was lovely, and had so many twists and turns, we weren’t sure where to begin. So we began in the middle.

Down the center was a long alley with gorgeous borders. The wider north borders are planted with hot colors-reds and oranges-while the south borders are in cooler blues and whites.

At both ends are charming surprises that make you want to linger and enjoy the view

I love when they have intimate surprises at the end of these long vistas of flowers.  It just makes you want to sit and take it all in.

And in between, there are small garden rooms that strike off from the main aisle on paths behind the hedges.

Each has its own personality.

Just when you thought you’d seen them all, you would discover one you had missed.

Truly magnificent.

As we toured the main house you would catch glimpses of the lawn through the windows.  And as classically beautiful as the hall was with magnificent wall coverings and fabrics, I was happiest outside overlooking the park.

We even managed as we left the house to see a small white plane taking off from across the fields. Magic!