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The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust has launched an urgent £250,000 appeal to save this historic beauty spot near Dunmow, Essex, from closure.
And the trust has warned that unless the cash can be found in the next three months the gardens famous for their Edwardian design, by Harold Peto, may have to close in April.
The appeal has come about because owners, Brian and Diana Creasey, who have looked after the garden up to now, are retiring in May.
A development plan will be submited to the Heritage Lottery Fund in a bid to restore Peto’s design but £250,000 will be needed to provide matched funding.
The Gardens have a long history from Tudor times to the second world war. Their most famous owner was Daisy, the Countess of Warwick, who turned from being a socialite member of the Marlborough set and mistress of Edward VII to become a fervent supporter of the then new Labour Party. It was she who commissioned the design from Harold Peto - one his best designs in the UK.
During the war the gardens were turned into a base for the RAF and USAF. The Museum contains pictures and reminiscences from this time and the gardens provide a regular source of inspiration for former serving officers and their surviving families.
Supporters of the Gardens are invited to make a donation or to become a patron. Details of how to help from enquiries@eastonlodge.co.uk
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