The historical buildings at Linden Gardens date back to 1910 when the original Woodmans Cottage (main picture) was constructed. "Linden" was the original name given to the property by its original owner Arthur Campbell.
Since 1910 Linden Gardens has had several identities and a couple of different names. Each phase in the history of Linden Gardens has added to its character and today has grown into something truly magnificent and original.
From 1936 to the early 70's, the property was known as 'Linden Gardens' a plant nursery covering the majority of the property's acreage. So renowned was the nursery with its rare Azalias, Camellias and, in particular, Rhododendrons, that an article on the property and its owners at the time, Mr & Mrs Michael Elliot appeared in the Rhododendron & Camellia Yearbook of 1966.
Several additions to the still relatively small building were made over the years, and amazingly, the Rhododendrons, displayed in the photo taken with Mrs Elliot at the rear of the house, were in fact about the same size as the Daffodils shown in the foreground. They are barely recognisable as the towering trees that they are today. This photo was taken in the early 1940's.
In 1973 the property passed to Claude and Arline Miles, who also owned 'Tudor Lodge' the property next door, until 1982 when Linden Gardens was purchased by Atika and Jim Rea. They undertook the huge task of renovating, extending and re-building the majority of the building. An architect, Tony Rowe, was commissioned to design and oversee the planning and construction.
The main building now had high vaulted ceilings with many angles and exciting new shapes that were obviously well ahead of their time. The three storey Tower was also added, and the main gallery style central section then became known as 'Portobello', a retreat for new-age and spiritual groups to hold their forums. Futon beds were laid out in the main room, alongside the large communal bath house. In time, under the same ownership, this same area was to become a stylish Gallery where pottery, art-work and jewellery displays, sales and exhibitions were held. The smaller building (now known as Linden Cottage) had a number of tenants, some of which were Antique dealers, Jewellery Retailers, Silversmiths and Clockmakers.
In 1989, the property was purchased by Neil and Marnie Sturgess. It was during this time that the two titles for the property were merged into one, so that the two storey building (now known as the Garden Retreat) could be added. The name Linden Gardens was restored and they continued to run the Linden Gallery in the main area of the building. Occasionally they opened a tiny weekend teahouse (in what is now the Linden Cottage) as the mood struck them. Apparently Marnie was a spectacular cook.
In 1996, Wendy and John Atkins bought Linden Gardens. The buildings and gardens lent themselves perfectly to their vision of a luxury B&B. In March 1997, Linden Gardens opened it doors as Tearooms and a Gallery in the main section of the building and the Forest Sanctuary Tower was opened as a B&B. The Architect and craftsmen who were present during the 1982 renovations were sought out and by the end of April 'Linden Cottage' was opened. Over time the tearooms were wound down to make way for the opening of the 'Garden Suite'.
In 2006 Alex and Lisa Counsell purchased Linden Gardens and embarked on a refurbishment programme to bring their own touch of luxury to Linden Gardens. With a commitment to continued improvement and expanding the facilities available to guests, Alex and Lisa look forward to making a positive impact on the fascinating history of Linden Gardens.
