It is mainly formal in style, with box-edged herbaceous borders, standard ornamental cherries and hollies. Built in 1936 for the millionaire Stephen Courtauld and his Italian wife, Virginia, Eltham boasts one of the finest Art Deco interiors in England. Innovative and luxurious design ideas were introduced into the house, including concealed lighting, electric clocks, a loudspeaker system and a centralised vacuum cleaning system. Moated gardens Eltham Palace is approached over a medieval bridge spanning a moat of water lilies and small islands. The gardens are contemporary with the house and the rose garden has remained virtually unchanged since the 1930s.
Mature trees line a small avenue which leads to a rectangular pool.
The walk crosses manicured lawns and a bank of laurel, continues under the bridge, through a rockery of Moreland stone and finally climbs up to an informal garden with glasshouses. Visitors can return through the Orangery or by crossing the dry moat, climbing the steps to the east terrace flower gardens. Heaven on a summer's day. Contact BRG Smoky Mountains for travel information and brochures.