The Kiftsgate Antidote
Few can deny that living in Britain today is a profoundly depressing experience. The country is in a parlous state - broken, bankrupt and with no sense of direction for the future.
The culmination of twenty plus years of government by a progressive, credentialed class steeped in woke ideology which combines stupidity with gross incompetence has dragged the country down to a wretched place.
For the preservation of one’s sanity, it is essential to reach for an antidote and any opportunity to escape the daily diet of depression and decline.
And so it was that we discovered this gem of a garden in the Cotswolds not far from Chipping Campden and indeed another great garden, Hidcote.
The work of three generations of women, Kiftsgate Court is now a garden of sublime beauty.
Not overly large - and broken up into distinct areas that link together in an unforced, natural way whilst the planting of roses, geraniums and delphiniums, to name but a few of the many plants, all carefully balanced for colour and size, creates a garden that nourishes the soul.
In this sanctuary, away from the stresses and tedium of daily life, one is transported back to a gentler time. My mother, a devout Christian, once said that she felt a closer affinity with God in her garden than any amount of time spent in church on a Sunday. I agreed with her then and, many years later, I agree with her now.
Gardens can, and indeed should create a quiet solitude in which to evaluate God’s creation and our relationship with it. That combination of the human imagination and beautiful plants brought together in a place ideal for the purpose is a divine experience. To walk through such a garden must not be hurried and for me, I prefer to do so in silence, the better to contemplate the plants and their setting.
So I leave you with a series of images which I hope you will enjoy.
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About the Author:
Nicholas Engert is the founder and creative director of Nicholas Engert Interiors, a studio known for its timeless, elegant and understated design philosophy. With decades of experience in interior architecture and design, Nicholas brings a refined eye and a wealth of knowledge to every project, blending form, function and character with a deep understanding of client needs. Every product featured in the studio’s collection is personally selected to meet exacting standards of quality, design, and aesthetic integrity.