The National Trust describes the property as an ‘oasis hidden away in an urban environment’
National Trust properties are known for being grand and set within acres and acres of grounds. In Cambridgeshire, we are lucky to have some beautiful National Trust properties to visit. While most are quite big, there is one in Wisbech that could be easily missed.
Peckover House can be found on North Brink, one of the main roads in Wisbech. Most of the buildings along North Brink date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, which means that Peckover House blends into its surroundings.
Described as a “secret gem” and the perfect place for a “quiet wander”, Peckover House was lived in by the Peckover family for more than 150 years. It was built in 1722 and is a classic Georgian merchant’s townhouse. The National Trust describes it as an “oasis hidden away in an urban environment”.
The Peckover family originally came from Fakenham in Norfolk and were Quakers, a Protestant Christian denomination which arose in the mid-17th century. In 1777 Jonathan Peckover moved to Wisbech and set up a grocery business. In 1782, he helped to establish a branch of Gurney, Birkbeck, Peckover and Buxton Bank. The Peckovers purchased the house in 1794, and the bank occupied a purpose-built wing on the side of the house, which later became known as Bank House.
Peckover House itself is three storeys high and is made of local amber and red brick. It’s not known who built the house. The gardens were not developed until the 19th century, and are now one of the most important 19th century town house gardens to survive.
Its two acres of surrounding gardens are made up of an orangery, summer houses, croquet lawn and rose garden filled with a variety of different roses. Part of the gardens also feature archways that add to its romantic feel.
The gardens are free to visit all year round, but entrance to the house does have a fee. After a walk through the gardens, there is a tearoom in the thatched reed barn that people can enjoy a drink and some food in.
The tearoom is open seasonally and serves hot and cold drinks, as well as cakes and light bites. There is also a second hand book shop for any bookworms looking for a bargain, and plant sales for keen gardeners.
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