Sezincote is a British estate, located in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, England. It was designed by Samuel Pepys Cockerell in 1805, and is a notable example of Neo-Mughal architecture, a 19th-century reinterpretation … Wikipedia
and was the inspiration for the Brighton Pavilion.
Down the drive,
Under the early yellow leaves of oaks;
One lodge is Tudor, one in Indian style.
The bridge, the waterfall, the Temple Pool
And there they burst on us, the onion domes,
Chajjahs and chattris made of amber stone:
‘Home of the Oaks’, exotic Sezincote.
~ from “Summoned by Bells”, by John Betjeman
This extraordinary Indian house set in the Cotswolds hills has a central dome, minarets, peacock-tail windows, jali-work railings and pavilions. The main photo above shows the curving Orangery which frames the Persian Garden of Paradise with a fountain and canals and a pair of friendly elephants.
Return through the grounds that are bypassed when heading up the walkway to the house from the ticket booth to another garden where a number of spring-fed pools lead to the Island Pool. It is a lush, green and woodland garden which is probably at its best in spring and autumn. There are touches of the exotic Mughal garden everywhere, with the Brahmin cattle on the steps and on the bridge, and a coiled 3-headed snake.
The columned bridge with little stepping stones taking you from lower to upper garden is quite a fascinating focal point.
It is an unusual place to find in the English countryside and not that easy to find (entrance opposite the Batsford Arboretum) and it is best to check the website for details of opening times. The grounds are undulating and some paths are gravel so not suitable for wheelchairs. Entrance fee to the house and grounds includes a guided tour (every half an hour) of a few rooms in the house. It is a worth while experience, though you can buy a ticket for the grounds only.
- Street: Sezincote
- Postcode: GL56 9AW
- City: Moreton in Marsh
- County: Gloucestershire
- Country: United Kingdom
- Website: Sezincote House Gardens
Earth laughs in flowers 
What a fascinating place! My sister would love those elephants. It looks really serene with all those pools 🙂
It’s quite surreal to find this in the middle of the Cotswolds which is quintessentially English.
I think that’s the best thing about it 🙂
I love it and I’ve never even heard of it. I want to go there so badly!
I hadn’t heard of it either until last year when I was researching places to visit during a few days in the Cotswolds. I’m glad I went there – the building is fabulous and although the grounds are mainly parkland, the pools are very pretty.
Columned bridge with stepping stones wins my heart, but the whole ramble is wonderful, giving the pleasures of the exotic at home. Must seek that out here. As always your photos pay beautiful tribute to a beautiful place.
It’s amazing what you can find if you look 😉
I think I’ll stick that up on my frig to counter my England-envy when you blog!
I wasn’t sure where Meg was sticking that for a moment!!! 🙂
I agree it’s a glorious place. I think I’ve seen it featured somewhere but goodness knows where. I’m going to make that cuppa now. I still haven’t put the kettle on 🙂
Its one of those Historic Houses, so only open infrequently. I spotted some reference to it in a magazine I think and went to look it up. As we were staying only a few miles from it AND it was open at the time it seemed like fate had decided on a visit.
Such a beautiful place to visit. It has the English charm one would expect of a place like this. I enjoyed this walk with you.
English in a surreal Maharajah setting Colline. The house is extraordinary. I love those peacock tail windows!
but where is the tea room? Where?