History of The Temple

The Temple Lodge was originally the gate house to the Abington Estate, and was designed with an entrance with pillars resembling a Roman Temple, hence the name.

It is believed that The Temple was used as a Tea Room and Restaurant from as early as the seventeen hundreds, although by the 1980's, it had fallen into disrepair.

Sally and Robin Clayden purchased The Temple in the late eighties and started an ambitious but sympathetic programme of restoration.

To this day the Temple Lodge, as the former Tea Rooms are now known, still remains, having been renovated with all its original features retained.

The Temple, the main house and family home, stands just across the drive from The Lodge and is now used for Wedding and Conferences, and acquired the name to maintain the history of the estate.

The House and Gardens may be the heart of the estate but right across the property there are people working hard to ensure the old buildings and Tea Rooms preserve their character, both the business and as an important part of the rural environment.

Robin and Sally are often asked, by visitors and friends alike: "isn't it odd having people wandering around your house?"

Their reply is always the same: "I guess the answer is 'yes', but Robin and I, as well as those who work here in the House, take a great deal of pride and interest in ensuring that both the grounds and house keep evolving, to make your visit a spectacular and enjoyable one."

"The Temple and grounds are not just home to my husband and I, but to all my family who have lived here for many years, and I hope that shines through. Over the next few years we - along with our son Jason - plan to continue to work on the House and Grounds on projects to enhance the already beautiful surrounds. Jason is set to take over the business in the coming years and has already ideas of his own on how The Temple will evolve. As The Temple moves into the 21st century we hope to retain much of the charachter of the old House and Tea Rooms but offering are guests much much more."