Introduction
The Lodge has a formal mid-20th-century garden in the Italian style, covering an area of 2 hectares. This is set within woodland of 40 hectares.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
01767 693333Access contact details
Nature reserve: open daily, dawn-dusk. Closed outside of these hours.
Car park: open daily, 7am-7pm. Closed outside of these hours.For more detailed visitor information visit the RSPB website or telephone 01767 693333
Directions
Situated on the B1042 Potton road from Sandy. Nearest station - Sandy.
For more detailed directions visit the RSPB website.
Owners
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
The Lodge, Sandy, BedfordshireOther Websites
- History
19th Century
Around 1851, the 'Swiss Cottage' (which is now the RSPB visitor centre and shop) was built for Captain William Peel. When he died, the estate passed to his mother, and then to his younger brother Arthur Wellesley Peel, MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, who built the current house, originally known as 'Sandy Lodge', in 1870.
20th Century
In 1934 the house was sold to Sir Malcolm Stewart and the formal gardens were established. The RSPB acquired it in 1961 and it has been their headquarters ever since.
- Associated People
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Register of Parks and Gardens
- Reference: GD1569
- Grade: II
Style
Italianate Garden
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Conservation
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Survival
Extant
Hectares
42.5
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Sandy