The honey-coloured manor house at Mount Grace Priory boasts blowsy Arts and Crafts borders designed by Chris Beardshaw
Few gardens enjoy such a picturesque setting as Mount Grace Priory. Nestling among the foothills of the North Yorkshire Moors, the 13-acre gardens embrace the ruins of a 14th century Carthusian monastery, wildflower meadows, ponds, lakes and woodlands, plus a handsome 17th century manor house overlooking a floriferous terraced garden designed by the king of billowing borders, Chris Beardshaw.
“Chris redesigned the gardens six years ago,” says Head Gardener James Taylor. “It was unique for English Heritage to commission anew garden in such an historic setting, but there were no old photos or paintings we could use for reference. Chris was called in for his expertise to help tie in the gardens with the Arts and Crafts-style manor house.”
Built in the 17th century next to the priory ruins, the manor house was remodelled in 1901 to reflect the tastes of its wealthy industrialist owner, Sir Isaac Lowthian Bell. “The house contains lots of handmade William Morris furniture, carpets and wallpapers,” says James. “The designs feature flowers and foliage that have inspired Chris’ planting palette – aruncus, acanthus, phlomis, daisies, persicaria, peonies, irises, roses and nepeta. It’s a lovely idea – they’re all typical Arts and Crafts blooms, with showy flowers and a distinctive shape.”
While the property is owned by the National Trust, it’s operated by English Heritage, which part-funded the renovation with the Wolfson Foundation and a private donor. Works included building a new tearoom as well as improving drainage and de-silting the ponds. “We have a lot of natural springs coming down onto the site from the Moors,” says James. “It means we’ve got a lovely natural water feature running through the garden even in a dry summer, which keeps the ponds topped up.”
In the typical Arts and Crafts tradition, the
