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Houses & Gardens (19)

Villa Petraia, watercolour by M. Nixon, publ. 1916.

House & Garden tours

From great historical gardens to the private oases of garden designers and homeowners, our house and garden tours offer an escape from the urban environment. The focus spans classical forms of domestic architecture, where country houses, villas and private gardens act as places of refuge, freedom and self-expression, to brilliant modern public spaces, designed to keep the preoccupations of the city at a distance.

We offer the chance to explore every aspect of the garden and its environs, from great Renaissance creations in Italy and France to the cultural traditions of Japan’s exquisite temple gardens; from famous gardens and little-known treasures in the northern counties of Scotland, to the wild flora of Portugal and the allure of Tuscany. Privileged access is a feature, with contributions from garden designers, homeowners and head gardeners.

Browse House & Garden tours

Cruising the Douro Wine, gardens, history and architecture from Porto to the Spanish border

Great Private Houses in Norfolk Special arrangements and in-depth visits

Great Irish Houses Country houses both sides of the border

Great Gardens of Southern England Horticulture historical and contemporary

Japanese Gardens Tokyo, Kyoto, Hikone, Nara & Kanazawa

" Having Martin as lecturer with such intimate knowledge of the region, with so many historic and current connections to the area, was a treat. " Cruising the Douro - Wine, gardens, history and architecture from Porto to the Spanish border

" A good range of properties, each offering a different experience. The back-story and context greatly added to the experience and enjoyment. " Great Private Houses in Norfolk - Special arrangements and in-depth visits

" I travel a lot and have been on many organised tours. It doesn't get any better than yours. Indeed this tour was one of the best I've take in 60 plus years of travel. " Great Irish Houses - Country houses both sides of the border

" The trips are always of a high quality; it is so nice to have all the organisation taken care of, and to have access to events that would not be available to an independent traveller. " Great Gardens of Southern England - Horticulture historical and contemporary

" Yoko was just fabulous. She provided us with rich historical content while sharing her deep knowledge of Japan and its gardens. She was a passionate and an excellent communicator, and answered our questions patiently and authoritatively. It was a pleasure to listen to her and learn from her. She is such a treasure! " Japanese Gardens - Tokyo, Kyoto, Hikone, Nara & Kanazawa

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Call to enquire or book: 1-800-988-6168

House & Garden tours