We paid a visit to Mottisfont House while in Hampshire recently.
Maud & Gilbert Russell found the perfect country retreat here when they moved in 1934, intrigued by this unique building crafted from a medieval priory.
The beautiful vaults and columns of the 13th century wine cellar
The boys room
sitting room
hall
dining room
out in the grounds
The meeting place by the fountain
In Saxon times, the village 'moots' or meetings were held by this natural spring. The combinations of the words 'moot' and 'font' is believed to be the origin of the name 'Mottisfont'.
The font is over 3 metres deep (9 feet) and despite recent dry summers has never been known to run dry. Until the 1940's it supplied water to the walled garden and several houses in the village.
It was not the best day to visit here! There were 450 young school children visiting for the day studying wild life and history!
12 comments:
That is quite the spectacular house ... probably best visited without the 450 school children.
You know I love that Medieval parts are kept and used as the rest of the house was built, and even that part is old... cherish that. And if I can't get there in person, I'm so glad that you share your pictures and experiences, Barbara. It is so thoughtful of you. Thanks again for a lovely tour.
Hugs
I noticed how there are no areas cordoned off and that visitors can peer at photos and bibelots to their heart's content. So wonderful.
It is a magical place, especially in the rose season.
It looks wonderful - another lovely historic home to add to our must-see list. Don't you love the pale Wedgewood green woodwork in what appears to be the library? That is the most gorgeous colour and almost impossible to duplicate or find. I love it. The guest room at my sister-in-law's house used to be painted that colour.
We visited the walled rose garden of Mottisfont and it was the start of making our petit English garden with a brick wall and a classic bench.
So interesting to note the possible origin of Mottisfont, Barbara! Thanks for sharing your tour with us...in spite of the 450 challenges :)
It looks an interesting house with its furnishings in different period styles and it's good you can take photos, relax and have a picnic etc. in the grounds. I expect the school children enjoyed the visit too - at least they were studying the wild life and living history of the place!
What a lovely house and garden to visit -- thanks so much for sharing so that we could "visit" too! -Beth
This reminded me or Burton Agnes in East Yorkshire in the lack of roped-off areas. It's a beautiful house. Thank you for taking us along on the day trip.
Oh my, 450 school children - that must have made for a lively visit! Now that you mention it I do see a lot of people in the background of your last photo. I wouldn't mind having that yellow bedroom with the chandelier. And of course I would take some time to peruse all the titles of the books in the little library too.
DELIGHTFUL!!! Off to see MORE!!
Blessings Linnie
Post a Comment