Milntown
Vicky Sartain
The Christian Family lived at the resplendent Milntown since at least the early 16th century and parts of the house date from that period. During the 17th century extensive alterations and additions were made. After this period the Christians moved to Cumberland and let the house out to tenants, but in 1830 Deemster John Christian returned to live in Milntown after having had the mansion house redesigned.
Following the death of William Bell Christian in 1886, the house was run first as a private school by his widow, Vio, and their two daughters, Rita and May; and then as a hotel. It reverted to being a family home when Charles Peel Yates (of Yates’ Wine Lodges) bought it in 1947.
The interior of the house is as decorated and furnished by Lady Edwards and her son Sir Clive prior to his death in 1999 but there are still many features dating from Deemster Christian’s 1830 refurbishment and earlier periods. The front of the house includes the coats of arms of The Christian Family and that of Sir Clive Edwards and is in the Gothic Revival style and dates from the early 1830s
Public tours of the main historic rooms of the house take place on Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm from 27 March to 28 September. The licensed restaurant and the gardens are open daily (except Tuesdays), 10am to 5pm.
The restaurant at Milntown is run by Jennifer Monro and Simon Child. Set in a purpose built conservatory, the restaurant has wonderful views of both the Walled Garden and the famous Winchester Gates. The menu for 2013 will feature a wide ranges of delicious home cooked seasonal dishes, light lunches, cakes and teas. It is the ideal place for morning coffee, a hearty lunch after a garden visit, or a relaxing afternoon tea.
The restaurant is also open every Friday from 5.30pm-9.00pm for a Bistro Evening. Enjoy great seasonal food, sourced locally and freshly cooked, the emphasis on quality and taste.
For more information about the Historic Houses Association visit www.hha.org.uk
Milntown
Lezayre Road, Lezayre, Isle of Man, IM7 2AB
Tel: 01624 812 321
