The land selected was a plot at Teddington which Blackmore had seen and admired for some time. Here he built his new house – completed in 1860 – in which he lived for the rest of his life. He called it Gomer House after one of his favourite dogs, a Gordon Spaniel. In the extensive grounds he created an market garden specialising in the cultivation of fruit. The grounds were surrounded by high walls which served to keep out thieves and to aid the ripening of tender fruit. His knowledge of horticulture was extensive, but through competition and other factors, the business was not a very lucrative enterprise except in his supply of pears to Covent Garden. The Author of "Lorna Doone." . Manchester Times (Manchester, England), Friday, May 25, 1900; Issue 2233. British Library Newspapers, Part I: 1800-1900. However, he is believed to have held the view that he preferred to be remembered as the winner of first prize for swedes than as the author of Lorna Doone. Discourse on gardening . The Newcastle Weekly Courant (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England), Saturday, June 2, 1900; Issue 11759. British Library Newspapers, Part I: 1800-1900
