Grade I listed Leonardslee Gardens to close in summer

Advertisement

Grade I listed Leonardslee garden is to shut in June

A Grade I listed garden in West Sussex that features a deer and wallaby park is to shut in June following its recent sale to a businessman.

Leonardslee Gardens, at Lower Beeding near Horsham, which attracts up to 50,000 visitors a year, was put on the market for £5m in 2008.

The 225-acre estate has been owned by the same family since the 19th Century.

Robin Loder said it was the right time for his family to sell the property and move on.

His great-grandfather married into the family which then owned Leonardslee and moved there in 1889.

'High hopes'

Mr Loder, who lives in East Sussex, said: "I think we've found a buyer that loves the place and will come under its spell and I'm sure look after the gardens and the grounds so that it can be open once again in the future but not at this time.

"They will be open this year as usual but the new owner, and we cannot yet reveal his name, enjoys his privacy."

He added: "I have high hopes and I'm absolutely sure he will grow to be as fond of the gardens as I have been. I think he can afford to look after it beautifully."

The 225 acres of gardens include a deer and wallaby park.