The original house at Dixter, Northiam, which dates from the mid 15th century, was acquired by Christopher Lloyd's father, Nathaniel in 1909. In the photo above the porch and building to the right hand side are the older section. Nathaniel had a 16th century house in a similar style moved from Benenden, Kent and the two buildings were combined with new work by the architect Edwin Lutyens to create a much larger house, which was then rechristened Great Dixter.
The Lloyd family surrounded the house with landscaped gardens which were made famous by Christo, who gardened and wrote his many books from here.
The grounds are full of interesting features, I loved the archway.
As part of the day we were given a guided tour of the grounds, here we are with the great house as a backdrop.
In keeping with the age and style of the house the gardens are packed with topiary.
The vegetable garden has a number of ancient apple trees. covered in lichens. 
The ground in the long border is covered with perennials and flowers even at this early stage of the year. Successional planting ensures there is interest all year in the garden.
The lawns adjacent to the long border are also packed with early spring color.
Daphniphyllum macropodum
Helleborus 'Anna's Red'
Sunken pond and garden next to the great barn
Great Dixter is also well known for the exotic garden. Created by Christopher Lloyd who famously ripped out a traditional rose garden. The straw is protecting a number of Musa basjoo. Hopefully we will get to visit again later this year and see this packed with tropical plants.
Great Dixter is very much a working estate, and in the Great Barn Simon has a wood workshop. Working timber from the estate grounds, Simon creates a number of items for sale to visitors.
The barn, as well as a working space, is also beautiful in its own right. It dates back over 500 years, and has recently had some renovations to replace rotten and damaged timbers.
As well as the house and gardens, there is also a delightful nursery on site, selling many of the same plants you can find growing in the garden.
Sempervivums growing on the roof in the nursery.
Begonia luxurians
It was great to get a sneak preview to the gardens before it opened to the public, it has really whetted our appetite for this famous garden. We are planning to return in the summer to see the garden in its full glory - and those bananas without their straw protection. Gaz
