Garden Gateway To The Grotto, In Private Gardens, East Of Terrace

The garden gateway to the grotto, located in private gardens east of the terrace, dates from around 1810 and may incorporate an earlier 18th-century eared surround. Constructed from limestone ashlar, the central gateway features a possibly re-used eared and keyed surround, flanked by outer rusticated Doric pilasters. It has a pulvinated frieze and a broken scrolled segmental pediment with a recessed central panel. On either side of the centerpiece are added semi-circular headed niches with moulded cornices. Beyond the gate, a set of irregular natural stone steps leads to the grotto, which was formed from a disused quarry. The surrounding terraces were planted with exotic alpine flowers, making it a private retreat for the family. This gateway was built as part of the formal gardens of Easton Hall, the residence of the Cholmeley family.