The House, Marsh Lane (EHER 83248)

An early 20th century bungalow which was acquired by the architect/planner Sir Frederick Gibbard in 1954. Gibberd greatly reworked the house during his time there and laid out gardens to supplement the minimal and fragmentary scheme already in existence. For the garden see EHER 18902.

An early 20th century bungalow which was acquired by the architect/planner Sir Frederick Gibbard (who died in 1984) in 1954. Gibberd greatly reworked the house during his time there and laid out gardens to supplement the minimal and fragmentary scheme already in existence. For the garden see EHER 18902. NHLE Listing: Frederick Gibberd's house 1956-1984. The House stands in the south-east corner of the site. It is essentially a small early 20th century building which forms part of the landscape scheme. The House stands on high ground to the south of the garden. Surrounding it are formal gardens, linked integrally with views from the main windows, the windows being designed to frame contrasting views of the valley, walled garden, and conservatory. The site was developed gradually, working from The House downwards. On Gibberd's death in 1984, The House, together with the gardens and art collection were willed to Harlow District Council for the recreation and education of the people of Harlow. However, the will was contested, making the estate a debtor through litigation. This forced the sale of the site, which was purchased as a short-term measure by an anonymous benefactor, allowing time for the Gibberd Garden Trust to be established and to raise funds for its permanent preservation. The site remains (2000) in the hands of the trustees. <1>