At the end of our trip (after seeing almost 30 gardens), our tour director, Bruce, asked us to give him a list of our top 5 favorite gardens. I had to think awhile for my 3-5 choices, but I immediately knew that my top two were Tresco Abbey (which I have not covered yet) and this one - Iford Manor. For the #1 spot, I go back and forth, but after being home for a few months, Iford Manor brings me my most pleasant memory.  Actually, the two gardens are similar in style (Italianate). Since I'm doing these in order, it will be some time before I get to Tresco Abbey.  First, a little about the house. The property was once home to a wool factory and dates back to the Domesday book (1086). The present house was built around 1720. The house overlooks the Frome valley with a small river flowing in front.  We began our tour on this bridge where we met the Lord of the manor - Just kidding - the owner is William Cartwright-Hignett. That is him in the center of this photo with our gro...