Introduction
Built 1911, Orchard Close had extensive landscaped gardens in the Arts and Crafts style including herringbone brick paths and a secret garden surrounded by yew hedges. The house is now an Abbeyfield Home.
The original summerhouse fell into disrepair but was replaced by another wooden one on the same site. An interesting feature of the interior of the house is an Arts and Crafts fireplace of brick and carved wood with a high, heavy wooden over mantel and two small wooden openings in the brick face of the surround.
A new building was built in the grounds in the early 21st century. This has reduced the grounds slightly but sits well in them.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Owners
Abbeyfield
Abbeyfield House, 53 Victoria Street, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3UWOther Websites
- History
The house was built on three acres of land given by Mr Wickham, owner of Twyford School, to an aunt. Orchard House was built in 1911 in modern style and without attics, cellars or high Victorian ceilings. Originally three gabled, two further gables were added in the 1920s by the subsequent owners.
The gardens were extensively landscaped in Arts and Crafts style with lawns, an orchard and large kitchen garden area, and a shrubbery. On the northern boundary there was a wooded area with a perimeter of Cupressus macrocarpus and a path. A small, green-painted summerhouse was sited near the wooded area and there were fine trees, including a Norwegian Ash and beech trees. The paths surrounding the house were brick herringbone design, with steps down to a tennis court. Surrounded by yew hedges was a ‘secret' garden with flowerbeds and a low brick wall. To the east of the house, leading to the orchard, there was a long, deep flowerbed. To the west there was a greenhouse. There was a chauffeur's cottage and garage, later sold and developed.
Period
- 20th Century (1901 to 1932)
- Early 20th Century (1901 to 1932)
- Features & Designations
Style
Arts And Crafts
Features
- Lawn
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- Hedge
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- Kitchen Garden
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- Orchard
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- Summerhouse
- Description: A small, green-painted summerhouse was sited near the wooded area. The original summerhouse fell into disrepair but was replaced by another wooden one on the same site.
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- House (featured building)
- Description: Orchard House was built in 1911 in modern style and without attics, cellars or high Victorian ceilings. Originally three gabled, two further gables were added in the 1920s by the subsequent owners.
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- Greenhouse
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- Specimen Tree
- Description: There were fine trees, including a Norwegian Ash and beech trees.
- Path
- Description: The paths surrounding the house were brick herringbone design, with steps down to a tennis court. The herringbone brick paths have been renewed.
- Planting
- Description: Surrounded by yew hedges was a `secret? garden with flowerbeds and a low brick wall. This remains today.
- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Period
20th Century (1901 to 1932)
Survival
Extant
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Twyford