IT is not often that an opportunity arises to go back to an era of splendid artistry. Yet, as the hidden grounds of the Coombe Trenchard estate demonstrate, the Edwardian traditions are far from forgotten.

Coombe Trenchard and its gardens were designed by architect Walter Sarel in 1906 for the wealthy Sperling family.

He worked on the grounds of the estate, and later, the nearby Lewtrenchard Manor, with Gertrude Jekyll, a pivotal contributor to the gardening world, who combined the natural beauty of landscape with a more structured, architectural design.

The fusing of two backgrounds, with Jekyll predominantly incorporating her love of artwork into her designs, and Sarel working from an architectural background, created a unique style that came to epitomise English garden design.

It is a vibrant testimony to the Arts and Crafts movement that developed in the latter half of the 19th century in response to burgeoning industrialisation.

The estate is now owned by Sarah Marsh and her husband, Philip. They stress the importance of retaining its original Edwardian features and respecting the arts and crafts techniques, which emphasise quality of materials, beauty and resilience.

Sarah said: 'When we arrived, the estate had been away from the public eye for over thirty-five years. It had been forgotten and you could almost say it was in non-existence.'

Driving down the lane to the property, open fields and woodland stretch out on either side. Only on arrival, is the true extent of the building revealed. Tudor exterior features sit alongside typical Edwardian features. There is much to be admired, even before setting foot in the gardens.

Sarah said: 'The whole building is testament to the fact the arts and crafts era really was built to withstand.

'The arts and crafts era really was a small pocket of time — but one that made a huge impact. These craftsmen should be appreciated for the quality of their work. We have become so used to mass-production in Britain.'

Philip said: 'My view is that we should be as true to its Edwardian arts and crafts roots as possible'.

Exploiting a technique practiced by popular gardener and presenter Toby Buckland – which focuses on recycling and using original materials – the aim is to redevelop the estate to its former glory without changing its fundamental core. Included in this reclamation are the locally-mined Dartmoor granite spheres and slates which now form the pillars on the terrace.

'Sweeping off years of debris and top-soil, we discovered a formation of letters. They spelled the initials of Henry Sperling and his wife. And the date, 1909,' said Sarah.

'It's like we are piecing together a jigsaw puzzle.'

When first arriving in the community in 2007, the Marshes had not anticipated that they would be trying their hand at archaeology.

Lewdown history group member Albert Spry has provided a wealth of first-hand experience, along with other long-standing members of the community, sharing photographs and memories with Sarah. This has helped to form the bigger picture and rebuild the remains of a history that will be remembered, respected and passed to future generations.

Mr Spry said: 'In the past, Coombe Trenchard was a very private place. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to go there. I remember, as a young boy, going there and watching the ducks'.

'Mr Sperling did a terrific amount of work to Coombe Trenchard. They had a chauffeur, a backdoor man, a butler and a maid'.

Mr Spry has recently helped to re-establish the tree mallow – in the gardens. The current owners are keen to retain the original species of plants and trees, planting local varieties such as apple, crab-apple and plum.

The house itself is a beautiful example of elegance – with the masculine billiard-room walls lavishly covered in buffalo-hide contrasting with the ornate décor to the opposite wing. All original features have been retained, including drinks hatches, exposed beams and even a 'disappearing wall' which has now been contracted to extend the main reception room.

The original bridge on the estate is now visible from the reception room window – it arches across the stream running through the grounds – which was once rendered invisible by an overly-energetic growth of laurel and rhododendrons.

On Friday, June 17 at 10am, Coombe Trenchard's Arts and Crafts Festival will be officially opened by Toby Buckland. Known for his no-nonsense and straightforward approach to gardening, and recognised for his presenting skills on television's Gardener's World, he will also be inviting visitors to join him in the Speaker's Yurt to answer any questions and share his gardening knowledge.

The festival, which also runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday June 18, will offer the chance to experience the restoration project and its progress.

Speakers at the festival include Radio Devon's resident gardener Sarah Chesters, 'It's Not Easy Being Green' Brigit Strawbridge, author John Carter and horticultural expert Tracy Wilson.

A variety of local and national exhibitors will be joining in the fun of the event, including The Cornish Rose Company, Yurtcraft and Icicle Tricycle. There will also be an Edwardian croquet tournament – with traditional costume.

Sarah said: 'Instead of your run-of-the-mill ice-cream van, we've got an icicle-tricycle with a parasol.'

This year's festival will be largely in aid of further restoration funds. The event will also support Plant Heritage and Send a Cow, an organisation with a 'pass it on' principle, providing the skills, livestock and training needed in communities in Africa. This seems apt, given the ethos surrounding the restorations, which will pass knowledge of bygone eras, on to future generations.

Sarah said: 'We want to appeal to a new generation of gardeners and re-establish those traditional skills.'