These days the manor house, which stands on the shores of Bassenthwaite lake and in the shadow of Skiddaw, is an award winning visitor attraction. The present house was built by the Earl of Derby in 1666 and it has been sold just once - in 1688 to Roger Gregg. Since then it has been handed down the generations until it was inherited in 1961 by the present owner's father. At that time the garden was overgrown but it's now home to a wide variety of trees, flowers and animals, and has four adventure playgrounds and a woodland walk. The huge Scots Pines beside the drive were planted in 1784.
They form a tall canopy over the rhododendrons and hydrangeas which were planted over the past 100 years, making a haven for birds, roe deer, badgers and foxes. As the trees will not last forever young pine, hybrid larch and oak, have been planted to ensure continuity. A stone circle depicting the Knights of the Round Table is surrounded by trees and a pathway leads past the Fernery, ideally sited in the cool and shade.
This in turn leads to the fairly recently planted orchard of traditional Cumbrian fruit trees. Sited within the walled garden originally created in the late 18th century which has recesses called bee boles where the skep hives used to be placed. Extensive restoration work took place in the 1990s and beehives were set up in a quiet corner keeping the tradition alive. Honeycomb shaped beds are filled with herbs again ideal for the bees. The old apiary has very informative boards depicting the life of the bee and the many beneficial uses of the products they produce from honey to propolis.
A potting shed with a picture of Tennyson waiting for the rain to cease provides shelter if needed. The flower beds along the shelter of the wall are filled with traditional herbaceous cottage style plants, with the hollyhocks standing proud. Based on the design used by the medieval Christian church as an aid to meditation, the heather maze provides nectar for the bees, fun for visitors as well as the beauty of the heather plants.
In front of the house, a rare ancient wildflower meadow boasts 43 species of plants which is a treasure all of its own. On the other side of the house, terraced lawns and the Canada garden are not to be missed as a rhododendron tunnel is a picture in early summer. Also, you will find the rare asarabacca plant used in the production of snuff. The stunning views surrounding the house and garden and walks through the estate and by the lake make this a delightful place to visit, the house is also open and very much still a family home. The Sawmill Tea Rooms offer delicious home made cakes and light lunches.
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