The Victorian owners of the gardens employed builders to create the delightful summer houses which now look so forlorn. Nine brick summerhouses survive on the whole garden
site. Four of them are listed buildings, of which one is not in the ownerhip of the Trust. A popular pattern had a pyramid roof, like the one shown here. Nationally, the commonest design was probably the
gable pattern, with a central door and flanking windows. Two of the Hill Close summer houses were hexagonal, and date from around 1860. They were lovingly appointed, often with pretty tiled floors, and
plastered or panelled interiors. Some had a fireplace, and even a cellar where tools and produce could be stored out of sight. |
