Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens
Extended and upgraded over the centuries, the mansion now incorporates a mixture of mediaeval, Tudor and early Georgian architectural styles.
First bought by Sir Edward Hasell in 1679, the estate has remained in the Hasell family ever since, with many family members adding their own touch to the house and gardens over the years. One of the more unusual features that have been added over the last few years is the stumpery, a timber version of a rockery, built using old wood taken from the estate’s collection of 200-year-old oak trees and planted with ferns. This can be found in Lob’s Wood, an atmospheric woodland garden developed by Gertrude Hasell when she lived at Dalemain in the 1920s.
Behind the mansion is a genteel Tudor Knott Garden, where tightly coiled rows of Box hedges surround the peaceful fountain at their centre. The Knott Garden is also home to a wonderful selection of delicate flowers including Nicotiana, Antirrhinum, Purple Sage and Viola Cornuta Alba. During the summer, a visit to Dalemain’s Low Gardens is highly recommended as you’ll also be able to view the stunning display of Himalayan poppies, Meconopis Dalemain, which have become famous for their striking, electric-blue colour.
The semi-formal gardens that surround the grand mansion date from the 17th century and contain a wealth of rare plants, herbaceous borders and a collection of over 200 old-fashioned roses that scent the air. There’s even a rose walk within the grounds where you can see more of these elegant blooms, along with the estate’s ancient apple trees.
