After the dissolution of the monastery, in 1539, Mount Grace was leased to various landowners, who were seemingly mainly interested in using the land for farming. In the 1600s, the ruined guesthouse was converted into a residence and then in 1900 it was bought by Sir Lowthian Bell, who extended and restored the house in the Arts and Crafts style, with William Morris wallpaper and furnishings. The Bell family continued to live there until 1953, when the house and the ruined abbey behind it were given to the National Trust in lieu of death duties.
The surrounding 13 acre Arts and Crafts garden, with its formal terraces, dells, lakes and orchards was rejuvenated last year, with borders redesigned by the award-winning gardener Chris Beardshaw. There were plenty of spring bulbs in flower and some blossom trees, but it is early in the year for gardens yet. A few more months should see it looking stunning.
Yes, they've started opening gardens to the public around here too, though it seems rather early in the year to me - you can see plenty of daffodils without having to pay for the pleasure!
ReplyDeleteI think of the lovely daffodils poem by William Wordsworth, as true today as when it was written. "Beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze.....Who could not but be gay in such a jocund company!"
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely home. I liked the 2 fireplaces, ceramic tile treatment is such a warm way to extend the fire, and when it's cold the tiles look pretty. I hope you go back when the gardens start to bloom more!
ReplyDeleteExquisitely beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe National Trust is such a wonderful thing!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny - it looks stunning now ... lovely photos and descriptions ... cheers Hilary
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