Larch Cottage

A labour of love for owner Peter Stott, Larch Cottage is a rambling, theatrical beauty, a maze of Romanesque ruins, sculptures and individual, carefully designed gardens. Pass through a modest entrance at the side of a country lane and it’s like stepping onto a stage. An elaborate clock tower stands sentry over a wonderland of winding paths and distinctive gardens.

The restaurant, La Casa Verde, is just as magical, a little chink of Italy with tiled floors, wooden beams and a vine-strung veranda overlooking the pond and gardens. Fresh food is hand-picked from the organic kitchen garden or sourced locally and slanted towards Italian cuisine – marinated olives, tonno e fagioli (marinated fresh tuna loin with mixed Italian beans, capers and rocket), thin-crust pizzas and a daily specials board. Homemade cakes and scones are served all day alongside artisan coffee and tea. Don’t forget to visit Red Barn Art Gallery and shop before you leave to discover a hoard of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and handmade jewellery, together with an array of unique and unusual gifts.