Picturesque Hodnet Hall stands on the bank of a small valley, it is a handsome red-brick mansion designed in the 19th-century by Slavin, in the Tudor style. It houses a personal, family collection of fine furniture, silver, porcelain and paintings, and is surrounded by a garden of breathtaking beauty. It is the home of the Herber-Percy family.
Hodnet Hall Gardens have evolved over centuries with significant input from several generations of family members. Importantly, in 1921 Brigadier Herber-Percy created the first water garden in the valley and added a lake in 1923. By 1958 people were talking in glowing terms of the vibrancy of this beautiful place and it was forecast that Hodnet would become one of England's premier gardens. A fact which was finally endorsed when Hodnet was awarded winner of Christies Historic Houses, Garden of the Year award in 1985.
The garden is sheer enchantment, the effect of the chain of glittering pools covering the valley is stunning, not only do they add to the overall attraction but their wooded and reeded banks make a safe haven for a rich variety of waterfowl and other wildlife. The pools also make a vivid setting for the masses of irises, primulas, giant gunnereas and other moisture-loving plants that flourish beside the water. The well manicured lawns and terraces are set off to best advantage by massed rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Snowdrops, Daffodils and early flowering shrubs lend their subtle texture and brilliant colour to the often, gloomy days of early spring. Late spring brings carpets of delicate nodding bluebells springing up beneath hundreds of magnificent trees whose leaves provide an all year round rainbow of intense greens, reds and golds. Roses grow in great abundance, their gentle scent filling the July air compliments the beds full of bright fuscia, sweet peas and sweet smelling lavender - this is a place that no matter where you are in the garden you are always close to something that is a joy to behold, particularly enchanting are the tiny streams and sparkling waterfalls.
Hodnet Hall Gardens make a lovely day out. To add to your enjoyment the owners have thoughtfully converted a hall into a tea-room. Here you can enjoy a light lunch or delicious after-noon tea amongst big game trophies brought back from the wilds of Africa by members of the family.
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