NOW THIS IS A SIMPLY A-MAZE-ING PROPERTY

T here are many unusual jobs to be had including eel ecologist, a marker of the Queen’s swan, pet psychologist or even a crisp inspector.

But Adrian Fisher beats all these. He is the world’s most successful maze designer, and he takes his work home with him.

Portman Lodge, a Regencystyle house in landscaped grounds built during the 1830s, has been Adrian’s home for 15 years.

He says he was drawn to the property because it came with seven acres of garden which, for a man in his trade, was room enough to build his own maze.

You might think he’d had enough of building bushy conundrums; he’s created 700 in 70 countries to date.

His own is made from 900 yew hedges planted 13 years ago. They took just two hours to plant with the help of local horticultural students, he says, but a lot longer to grow.

The maze has a raised brick folly at its centre, from which successful navigators can gaze over the hedges, while less successful ones can be guided in.

“People love the maze, it’s a fun thing to get lost in for a few minutes and play around in,” says Adrian.

“The beauty of the folly is that it is a building which has no sense or practical purpose; it is totally foolish.”

The house, which is in Dorset, has seven bedrooms and is for sale through agent Savills Wimborne (01202 856873) for £1.65m.