Gardens that capture hearts

Appreciating green heavens and 5 beautiful gardens in hotels. #52

Since living in England I have become much more sensitive to gardens.

The British are of course particularly good at tending their green patch, be it just a small pot on a balcony or a courtyard garden or, for the wealthier ones, big acres in the countryside.

Every year, tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show, are sought out and booked months in advance. We went last year and it was indeed beautiful. All those very inventive gardens and masses and masses of flowers and plants!

I am not much of a "la main verte" , the French word for saying you re good at growing plants and Mr Big does all the work in the garden. He’s really good at it. I am, as I’m concerned, very content with just sitting on the bench and admiring his work.

Where I sit..

Whether it's enjoying a morning cup of tea while listening to the chirping birds or spending a lazy afternoon immersed in a good book or the papers, our garden offers the perfect pause in the middle of our busy lives.

Gardens are one of the reasons why we love the Newt so much, as it has those fabulous gardens but also Hotel Endsleigh where we got married. This week, I share with you 5 other chic stays in Europe where you can admire gardens or be immersed in nature.

5 hotels and B&Bs with beautiful gardens

Four Seasons Florence

From 500 Euros - Check latest prices and availability

A larger hotel than those I usually list but its decor is just splendid and unique. It's housed in a magnificent Renaissance palazzo and set in 11 acres of mature gardens. The rooms have old frescos and palazzo furnishings. This is actually the city’s biggest private garden – a tranquil haven of statues, fountains and centuries-old trees.

Leonardslee House, UK

B&B doubles from £350 - Check latest prices and availability

Nestled in the heart of West Sussex, the serene historic 19th-century Italianate style house sits on top of a valley with a panoramic view of the Leonardslee gardens. 10 bespoke charming bedrooms. No pool.

Les Sources de Cheverny, France

From 170 euros - Check latest prices and availability

Tucked away in its own private estate, Les Sources de Cheverny is the quintessential French château. 26 rooms and 23 suites pair sumptuous fabrics with stripped wood panelling to create a sense of contemporary luxury. There are acres of gardens and vinyards to explore, a pool and a Caudalie spa.

Ktima Lemonies, Greece

Price on application - Check latest prices and availability

In the North-West of the island, Ktima Lemonies (The Lemon Tree Estate) is a typical house planted with lemon trees, a little gem hidden in an oasis of lush vegetation, spring waters and blooming fragrant gardens. My friends (a Franco-Greek couple) absolutely love it and recommend it highly. It is now only rented as a fully serviced holiday home and as an event space. It accommodates up to 12 guests in 5 individual bedroom suites, with access to all of the beautiful estate spaces and amenities.

Villa Mabrouka, Tanger

From 450 Euros - Check latest prices and availability

High above the sea, Villa Mabrouka, owned by British designer Jasper Conran OBE is
awash with natural light, and features floor to ceiling glass doors opening out onto panoramic vistas across the gardens and ocean below. The house has been redesigned and is re opening as a hotel for the first time this spring. The roof terrace offers spectacular views of the dramatic coastline and crystalline sky. Within the grounds is a magnificent pool carved out of the mountain rock and filled by a cascading waterfall.

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