Nestled in the picturesque countryside of the Isle of Wight, Mottistone Manor and Gardens is a historic estate that has captivated visitors for centuries. This Elizabethan manor house, surrounded by enchanting Mediterranean-inspired gardens, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island‘s rich history and horticultural heritage.
A Manor Steeped in History
The story of Mottistone Manor begins long before the current house was built. The estate is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating its importance even in Norman times. However, the manor house as we know it today largely dates from the late 15th and early 16th centuries, with additions and renovations made in subsequent years.
The architectural style of the manor is primarily Tudor, characterized by its half-timbered construction, gabled roofs, and large, ornate chimneys. The house also features elements of the Jacobean style, such as the ornate stone frontispiece bearing the Cheke family coat of arms, which was added in the early 17th century.
Over the centuries, Mottistone Manor has been home to several prominent families, each leaving their mark on the estate. In 1861, the manor was purchased by Charles Seely, a wealthy industrialist and politician. The Seely family would go on to play a significant role in shaping the manor and gardens as we see them today.
The Seely Family Legacy
Charles Seely, who served as Member of Parliament for Lincoln and later Nottingham, was a prominent figure in British politics and industry in the late 19th century. He purchased Mottistone Manor as a family retreat, and it quickly became a beloved home for the Seely family.
However, the manor faced a significant setback in 1703 when a devastating landslide buried the rear of the house, leaving it in a state of disrepair for over two centuries. It wasn‘t until 1926, when Charles‘s son, Jack Seely, took on the monumental task of restoring the manor to its former glory.
Jack Seely, who had served as a cavalry officer in the Boer War and World War I, was a man of great determination and vision. He commissioned the renowned architect Percy Stone to oversee the restoration work, which involved removing tons of earth and rubble, reinforcing the structure, and meticulously repairing period features like the oak paneling and stone fireplaces.
The restoration was a labor of love for Jack Seely, who saw the potential in the neglected manor. "I found her a wreck," he once said, "and I have made her a queen." His dedication to preserving the manor‘s history and character laid the foundation for its future as a National Trust property and beloved visitor attraction.
The Gardens: A Mediterranean Oasis
While the manor house is undoubtedly impressive, it is the gardens that truly set Mottistone apart. The current gardens were largely the vision of Lady Vivien Nicholson, wife of Jack Seely‘s grandson, John Nicholson. Drawing inspiration from her childhood in Sicily, Lady Nicholson transformed the estate‘s former farmland into a Mediterranean paradise in the 1960s.
The gardens at Mottistone are a masterpiece of design, showcasing a harmonious blend of formal structure and naturalistic planting. The layout is divided into distinct "rooms," each with its own character and focal points.
At the heart of the garden is the Shack, a charming thatched cottage that serves as the centerpiece of the Shack Garden. This area showcases a vibrant palette of hot colors, with bold drifts of dahlias, crocosmias, and kniphofias creating a striking display in late summer.
The Rose Garden is another highlight, featuring over 40 varieties of roses in shades of pink, red, and white. The fragrant blooms are complemented by a picturesque lily pool and a charming dovecote, creating a romantic and tranquil atmosphere.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, visitors can stroll through the Olive Grove, where ancient olive trees and fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme transport you to the sun-drenched hills of Sicily. The nearby Citrus border, filled with lemon and orange trees, adds an exotic touch to the English countryside.
Other notable areas include the Wildflower Meadow, where a colorful carpet of native blooms attracts a buzzing array of pollinators, and the Orchard, which features heritage varieties of apples, pears, and plums.
A table showcasing the seasonal highlights and must-see plants:
| Season | Must-See Plants |
|---|---|
| Spring | Daffodils, Tulips, Cherry Blossom, Wisteria |
| Summer | Roses, Dahlias, Lavender, Agapanthus |
| Autumn | Asters, Rudbeckia, Sedum, Ornamental Grasses |
| Winter | Hellebores, Snowdrops, Winter-Flowering Shrubs |
Exploring the Estate
Beyond the cultivated gardens, Mottistone offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration and discovery. The estate encompasses over 500 acres of diverse landscapes, including open downland, ancient woodland, and a dramatic coastline.
One of the most popular walks is the trail to the Longstone, an ancient standing stone that dates back to the Bronze Age. The hike to the Longstone is a moderate 2-mile round trip, rewarding visitors with panoramic views of the island and the English Channel.
Other notable walks include the Mottistone Down Walk, a 4-mile circular route that takes in the estate‘s picturesque countryside and offers glimpses of the manor and gardens, and the Mottistone to Brighstone Walk, a more challenging 6-mile linear route that follows the coastal path, passing by secluded coves and dramatic cliffs.
For a more leisurely experience, visitors can enjoy a picnic in the orchard or among the wildflowers, watching for the estate‘s abundant wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and the elusive red squirrel.
Accessibility is a priority at Mottistone, with the majority of the gardens and ground floor of the manor house being wheelchair accessible. The National Trust also offers mobility scooters and wheelchairs for loan, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the estate.
Plan Your Visit
Mottistone Manor and Gardens is open to the public from spring through autumn, with exact opening dates and times varying throughout the season. Admission tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance through the National Trust website.
As of 2024, ticket prices are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £12.50 |
| Child | £6.25 |
| Family | £31.25 |
| Group (15+) | £11.50 per person |
National Trust members enjoy free admission to Mottistone Manor and Gardens as part of their membership benefits.
To reach the estate, visitors can take a ferry from the south coast of England to the Isle of Wight. Car ferries operate from Portsmouth, Southampton, and Lymington, while foot passengers can also choose the hovercraft service from Southsea.
Once on the island, Mottistone is a scenic 30-40 minute drive from the ferry terminals, or a leisurely 1-2 hour journey by bus, depending on your arrival port. Ample parking is available on-site for those arriving by car.
When planning your visit, be sure to allow sufficient time to explore the manor, gardens, and estate. A typical visit can easily fill a half-day or more, especially if you wish to enjoy the walking trails or nearby attractions like the picturesque village of Brighstone or the beaches at Compton Bay.
A Timeless Treasure
Mottistone Manor and Gardens is a testament to the enduring beauty and resilience of the English country estate. From its ancient origins to its loving restoration by the Seely family and the National Trust, the estate has weathered the centuries with grace and charm.
As you wander through the manor‘s historic halls, stroll the fragrant gardens, and explore the wild beauty of the surrounding landscape, you‘ll be immersed in a world of timeless elegance and natural wonder. Mottistone is more than just a historic house and garden; it is a living connection to the past, a sanctuary for the present, and a promise of preservation for generations to come.
Whether you‘re a history enthusiast, a keen gardener, or simply seeking a moment of peace and beauty in an increasingly hectic world, Mottistone Manor and Gardens offers a truly unforgettable experience. As Lady Nicholson once said, "The whole atmosphere of this place is one of serenity, of the past and the present living happily together." Come and discover this Isle of Wight treasure for yourself.
