The octagonal building is one of the main focal points of the garden. It is believed to have been built in about 1840 and to have replaced a six-sided structure that previously existed on the same site. The building has fallen into disrepair many times during its life and prior to the current restoration was in an extremely dilapidated condition and susceptible to vandalism. Its repair was funded by the Essex Environmental Trust. Inside the building there are two very fine and large murals that originally were fixed directly to the walls. These have been repaired and are now fixed on wooden frames.

They are painted in a fresh sketchy style and each pictures a cherub in swing or garland of fruit and flowers. The Summerhouse is an airy inviting building from which the visitor can look over the extensive lawns or in times of inclement weather, take shelter. There is a 19th century wrought iron seat purchased in 2005. There is also a small exhibition cabinet including two very interesting diaries from a former head gardener and other small artefacts found during the restoration. A visitors book is available in which you are encouraged to write your comments.

The summerhouse lawn is an extensive area of grass on which are located a number of very fine statues. Over the next few years we hope to transform it into a very high quality lawn set off with splashes of Victorian colour in herbaceous flowerbeds and shrubberies.