A new garden at historic Hillside House, Allcroft Road.
Hillside House, 19-28 Allcroft Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5DJ
Hillside House (by local architects Morris and Stallwood) was built in 1880 for William Isaac Palmer of Huntley and Palmer, biscuit manufacturers. It was subsequently bought by Leonard Goodhart Sutton, of Suttons Seeds who, using the same architects, extended it in 1898. In 2014 the property was acquired by Turner Property from Reading University. In 2019 two additional houses and a pavilion-style common room were built in Hillside Court. These new buildings in the centre of the site have separated the student blocks from Hillside House allowing for the creation of a new garden in 2020-21.
Designed by Lloyd Turner and garden designer Gaila Adair (see also Watlington House Gardens, Caversham Court Gardens) the garden celebrates the history of the house and is a memorial to the four, of five, sons of the Sutton family who gave their lives during the First World War.
The planting scheme is partly in place. Plans for bedding plants have been hit by this June's dry spell. Nevertheless, the structure of the garden is now established and the impressive stone memorials and 'gazebo' are in place.
There are 3 opportunities to visit; 10am, 11 am and 12 noon. Lloyd and Garden creator, Gaila Adair, will give a guided tour of the garden and explain the influences on its design, after which you may wander around around the garden.
The house is NOT open. The garden is not open to the public apart from Heritage Open Days.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 10, 11 & 12 am
Location & directions
Hillside House, 19-28 Allcroft Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5DJ
- Contact on day:
- Richard Bennett
- Telephone number:
- +447802763289
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- The limited space on site means it is vital to book using the Eventbrite links provided. The 3 tours were heavily booked last year. If you find you are unable to attend then please CANCEL your booking in Eventbrite. Use the booking email address ONLY if you are not able to book or cancel your booking on Eventbrite.
- Booking contact name:
- Richard Bennett
- Booking telephone number:
- +447802763289
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-new-garden-at-hillside-house-allcroft-road-tickets-937164292627
- Booking opens:
- 14 Jul 2024 10:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 13 Sep 2024 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Enter via the gates on Allcroft Road (see first image). Access to the garden is then via a gate to the right, NOT through the house As this is a small garden only 20 people per session can be accommodated. Booking is essential. There is limited access for wheelchair users. The garden is mostly on a level and paved with tarmac with a gravel top layer. No toilets are available. Very limited parking is available in front of the house (there is a barrier). Also pay parking on Allcroft Road and Kendrick Road. Far better to walk or catch the bus.
Additional information
- Max no of people per tour:
- 19
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
