Neo-classical house, celebrated gardens and demesne
As National Trust Celebrates its 125 Birthday, join us as we take a look at what Mount Stewart has been up to through the years.
Mount Stewart House
Mount Stewart house has always been a ‘home’ for the Londonderry family, a place that has been touched by the various generations who have loved it. Whilst always respecting the past and finding inspiration from its history, Mount Stewart has been unafraid of change throughout the generations, endeavouring to remain relevant in modern times, the result being that it still retains that feeling of a family home for all who visit with us.
World Class Gardens
The garden at Mount Stewart is unique and of rare quality, being one of the few late compartmentalised Arts and Crafts-like gardens. It is a deeply personal garden, the creation of Edith, Lady Londonderry in the early 20th century building on a pre-existing historic 18th and 19th century landscape. The Strong artistic theme is combined with an unrivalled plant collection which is protected and augmented via our nursery and propagation operation situated in the old walled garden.
Considered to be one of the most outstanding gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is the most visited National Trust mansion house property in Northern Ireland.
Demesne
Mount Stewart is an exceptional example of the Irish demesne, intended to be both beautiful and productive, with woodland, orchards and farmland providing for the needs of the household. The demesne perimeter is clearly defined by an enclosing wall, which marked the private realm of the owner. Acquired by the Stewarts in 1744, woodlands they planted, the estate roads, the bridle paths, follys and farmland remain unchanged. Fine buildings of the Stable Block, Farmyards with Dovecote and Walled garden are architectural gems in their own right.
The wider demesne area was previously inaccessible to visitors, and historically was the realm of the family, their friends, and the house and estate staff, with the woodland in the care of a team of Woodsmen. Today they offer the public a wonderful opportunity to explore a rich landscape of farmed land and woodland walks, with monuments and buildings scattered throughout. Rich in a broad spectrum of recovering wildlife populations, the demesne is one of the last few strongholds of the native Red Squirrel. At the heart of the demesne lies the farmyard complex, along-side which sits the original walled garden, the former engine room of the estate.
Temple of the Winds
Positioned on a rise overlooking Strangford Lough, the octagonal Temple of the Winds is an eighteenth century, grade 1 listed building. Originally built as a banqueting hall and eye-catcher for Robert Stewart in 1786, its design is identical to the Tower of the Winds in Athens. James ‘Athenian’ Stuart (1713-1788) designed the Temple. One of the pioneers of neo-Greek architecture in Europe, he saw sketched and measured the original Greek Tower whilst on tour, recreating it here at Mount Stewart. There are three floors including a vaulted basement that leads to a tunnel that held a wine cellar and scullery.
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
