Lowder Mill is set in a beautiful valley in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the borders of West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. within the South Downs National Park. The mill house and the former water mill are set in over 3 acres of gardens, with the additional expanse of the former mill pond and 3 acres of woodland. Both the house and the former mill are listed as buildings of Architectural and Historic interest, being of 17th century origins with 18th century and later additions.
The property was first used solely as a residence in the 1920's, when the original garden was probably laid out including the streams and waterfalls that are now such a feature of the garden.
The garden had been neglected when the present owners, Anne and John Denning took over the property in 2002. With the help of garden designer Bunny Guinness they set about transforming the garden. The hard landscaping works, including the new pond in front of the mill and the courtyard between the mill and house, were the first part of the project to be completed. The derelict greenhouse was rebuilt as well as the development of the raised vegetable beds. The planting schemes will continue to be work in progress, particularly those around the lake, where a lot of clearing was needed to create a lakeside walk.
The garden is now a haven for wildlife,although it is a battle to keep the foxes and deer out. There are also the resident kingfishers, which are often to be seen swooping over the mill pond or close to the waterfall on the lower pond in front of the mill, and the beautiful collection of rare breed chickens and ducks.
Since 2005, the garden has been open to the public under the National Garden Scheme. Over the last 13 years, thousands of pounds have been raised for the National Garden Scheme charities.
The garden is open again on Saturday and Sunday 2nd and 3rd June 2018 from 11am to 5.30pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 5.30pm on Sunday. Delicious teas and cakes are served in the garden room on the top floor of the mill, in vintage china, overlooking the lake...a quintessentially English country scene.
The gardens, woodland and part of the former mill are available for film and photo shoots
