(Photo: Colin Wing)
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Open:
Saturday 13:00–17:00
+ Sunday 13:00–17:00
Description:
The grounds of 17th-century Carshalton House feature the remains of a formal landscape garden of 1716–20, laid out for Sir John Fellowes, sub-governor of the South Sea Company. The early gardens may have been designed by Charles Bridgeman, and include a water tower by architect Henry Joynes.
A serpentine lake (now dry) with sham bridge was added in the later 18th century, replacing an earlier formal canal. The chalk-and-brick hermitage or grotto dates from around 1750. The remains of a wilderness survive as boundary plantings.
The ornate brick-and-stone water tower is a fine example of baroque architecture, and contains an orangery, pump chamber, saloon and plunge bath, with ornamental ceiling and tall arched openings.
Activities:
Water tower open all afternoon. Guided walks of the grounds and hermitage available according to demand.
Entrance:
Pedestrian entrance to water tower in West Street
Nearest postcode: SM5 3NY
Sells tickets.
Buses:
127, 157, 407
Station:
Carshalton
Car Parking:
No car parking on site. Parking in Festival Walk or Carshalton village.
Access:
The water tower is wheelchair accessible; access to Hermitage via steps. Please phone 020 8647 0984 in advance for disabled access.
Dogs:
Working assistance dogs only
Further information:
Nearby Gardens (click on names for details):
Last updated: 26/05/2010