The English garden is just one small part of this vast and diverse estate, where landscape architects are still hard at work. Originally, the garden needed a unifying structure, which was achieved through planning circles. These enclose distinct areas and are often separated by fences. One such area is the classic British walled garden, steeped in the charm of old English tales about the quiet, unhurried life in the prosperous countryside. Its seclusion is what makes it truly special: it is set apart from the rest of the landscape garden by a dense mass of trees and further enclosed by brick walls with three entrances. Upon entering, you feel as though you have suddenly stepped into a magical world. This sensation is heightened by the decorative gates, which genuinely resemble the doors to Narnia: they are adorned with wrought iron elements that conceal subtle messages and whimsical details. For example, one of the spherical finials is a stylized helicopter, very similar to the one the owner flies in on, while elsewhere you can spot garden dwellers such as beetles and frogs.

The enclosure serves more than an aesthetic purpose: positioned on a breezy lakeshore, the site benefits from the walls, which create a gentler microclimate where classic garden plants can thrive. Here, you can find numerous trimmed tree shapes, lush flowering shrubs, and roses. Massive oak benches surround a traditional round pond and nearby stands a large English greenhouse. This greenhouse houses potted plants during the winter months and provides space for cultivating vegetables and other crops. Despite its fairy-tale charm, the garden retains its practicality and functionality – a yet another distinctly British touch.

Photos: Asya Gordeeva

Illustration: Inna Korneeva