by Tricia Jamieson

tjamieson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Two apartments at the house where Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote the children’s classic The Secret Garden are for sale.

The walled garden at Great Maytham Hall, Rolvenden, inspired Burnett when she rented the house in 1898.

It was so overgrown that it was impossible to find the door. Aided by a robin sitting on the branch of a nearby plum tree, the author discovered the rusty gate hidden by ivy and spent the next year restoring the garden and replanting the roses.

It is still possible to make out the outline of the original doorway and the plum tree is still there.

The classic tale features spoilt orphan Mary Lennox, who moves from India to a vast old house brimming with secrets on the grey Yorkshire moors.

The formal gardens of Great Maytham Hall were designed by Gertrude Jekyll while the house was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1909. It is Grade II listed.

Both apartments are being marketed by Jackson-Stops & Staff in Cranbook.

A ground floor two-bedroom one, priced at £335,000, is under offer. The other, also with two bedrooms, is up for £315,000.

• For more details call 01580 720000.