An Arts and Crafts garden
In 1904 the Manders employed the foremost Arts and Crafts garden designer, Thomas Mawson, to lay out their garden. Mawson was a renowned designer from Windermere and he had designed many gardens to complement Edward Ould's gardens for Lord Leverhulme, so it was clear he was the right man for the job. The death of Flora Mander in 1905 meant his designs weren't fully implemented, he returned in 1910 and added the South Terrace and design and principles of what he wanted are still clear today
Rooms with a yew
The dominant design feature of the garden is its 'rooms' - areas of the garden marked by clipped yew hedges or terraces giving the garden a wide variety of different feelings. Mawson desgined these so that close to the house they are more formal, and then get more natural as you walk further into the garden
Coming up roses
The Arts and Crafts movement in gardening renewed our love of such classic English plants as the rose. The garden boasts several varieties bordering the paths, lawns and in the formal rose garden.
Informal gardens
Beyond the hedges and flower beds are the informal gardens. With two pools as central features they provide year-round interest with spring flowers, summer rhododendrons and autumn colour.
Orchards
Just beyond the formal lawns and gardens are the two orchards which over recent years have been restocked with traditional varieties. They're a great place to sit under a tree with a picnic and relax.
Take a stroll
We have a series of self-guided walks, available from reception, designed to suit all ages from those with tiny legs or pushchairs to those feeling a bit more adventurous. We have a fun orienteering course for you to try. Designed by the Walton Chasers it’s suitable for any age group and is a great way to try orienteering. Pick up your map from the Visitor Reception and the course starts right outside.
Winter visiting
Whilst the garden doesn't look its best at winter it still makes for an interesting walk. The winter shapes of the trees, the architecture of Mawson's design and the woodland wildlife all provide interest - just go carefully on the mud!
