Has anyone been to Leonards Lee in Sussex?

[lardhelmet]

We went a couple of years ago in May & it was absolutely stunning! The gardens were full of rhododendrons, camellias etc. However, this is the last year we'll be able to go because it 's being sold privately - to Arabs. They have decided to leave the garden centre bit open but want to keep the gardens for themselves! How bloody selfish (and typical) is that?

[vulcan]

That is very sad, I grew up not far from there and must have visited at least a dozen times. It was one of my favourite gardens and I've visited a great many over the years. What a pity it couldn't have been bought by the National Trust or something similar.

[lardhelmet]

Exactly vulcan - that would have been brilliant and everyone would still have been able to go and see them. Wot a swiz

[Mr Veritas]

Yes,sadly we only have until June 30th 2010 to visit!
The National Trust can only now take on properties (House or Gardens) with a very large endowment.
That is a sum of money that can be invested to pay for the running of the property,and as this was not forthcoming the NT was unable to secure it.
The NT does have some money,but not as much as you might think (it is mostly tied up in houses/gardens and land,and they have to weigh up whether a property is worth taking on.
I would imagine that they considered Leonardslee,but without sufficient cash endowment they probably declined it.

[lardhelmet]

Wonder how many millions they paid for it? Would a triple rollover have sealed the deal?

[Mr Veritas]

You mean how much did the Arabs pay for it?
I read somewhere it was about £30 million.

[Mr Veritas]

Oh,and it costs about £1 million a year to mantain it too!

[lardhelmet]

I'm not surprised. Wonder why they sold it - was it losing money?

[Mr Veritas]

It is now,as far as I am aware in the 4th generation of the Loder family,and this generation (Gt Grandson of the founder) also runs the Leonardslee nursery,and thought that running the gardens(and house, not open to the publi)is just too much.
Apologies,it sold for £5million, and to an unamed Eastern European businessman
See here:~
http://www.telegraph....dens-sold-for-5m.html

[lardhelmet]

Thank you for that Mr V. 225 acres for £5m - sounds like a good deal to me.

[Mr Veritas]

Personally having been there some years ago,Ithink it's way undepriced,but I suppose the present family member just wants shot of it quickly(given the present recession and all).
Thanks though lardhelmet for reminding me of it's closure,I shall have to make a trip there soon.

[lardhelmet]

Enjoy it while you can. We'll make sure we go in May now!