Mapperton Gardens is a romantic valley garden deep into a lost Dorset combe among tumbling hills and unspoilt countryside. The valley gardens at Mapperton reflect at least three periods of history. On the upper level, close to the house, is the Italianate garden laid out by Ethel Labouchere in her husband’s memory in the 1920s, complete with grottoes, stone ornamental birds and animals and a fountain court. Below the wall and summer house are 17th century fish ponds. An orangery was added by Victor Montagu, former MP for South Dorset, who extended the lower garden with specimen shrubs and trees in the 1950s. Fine views of Eggardon and Lewesdon hills.