We’re extremely lucky where we live to have so many National Trust properties not far from us. Not just in the Surrey Hills but across London, Hampshire and Sussex. One of those located a little further away near Romsey is Mottisfont Abbey – founded as an Augustinian priory by William Briwere back in 1201. This country house has been home to an array of interesting people over the last eight centuries including Sir William Sandys, a favourite of King Henry VIII, the Mill family who arrived in Georgian times, and laid the framework for today’s grounds, gardens and house facade, plus wealthy banker Daniel Meinertzhagen who let Mottisfont in the nineteenth century.
The property was made the centre of a fashionable artistic and political circle in 1934 when Maud and Gilbert Russell arrived in 1934. Having bought the house in a state of disrepair, they spent many years bringing the house and estate back to life and making it their home. These days the National Trust is responsible for 1600 acres of woodland and farmland providing the most wonderful place to explore.
Mottisfont has been on our ‘must see’ list for a while and an inset day provided us with the perfect opportunity to blow away the pre-Christmas cobwebs. The River Test runs throughout the grounds and it was great to watch the crystal clear water flowing under a bridge almost as soon as we arrived. On the right the water was so calm while to the left the powerful currents were once strong enough to drive a mill. POD was fascinated by it so we spent a good ten minutes there before heading towards the huge green space in front of the house.
While we did venture inside for a time, it was mainly to read the history behind Mottisfont and visit the cafe. Next time we must check out the maids rooms, the art gallery, Russells’ Rooms and Cellarium. There was a Family Trail on around the house and gardens that followed the tale of Mr Scrooge in Victorian England too. We didn’t get to follow all of it as we had so much exploring to do but we did spend a while in Mr Scrooge’s counting house. The toy manufacturer’s workshop was also popular. POD embarked on a little colouring there and encouraged everyone else in the room to do the same with many obliging! 
Having had a look at the font with it’s clear waters we headed over for a nose around the winter garden which provided us with a much needed burst of colour. POD loved all the little paths as it was reminiscent of a secret garden – not that she’s ever been in one of course. The Abbey Stream is a man-made channel that was created to bring the River Test closer to the house. Once upon a time it was a place to bathe, boat and fish but these days it’s a peaceful place to just stop and take in the surroundings. We loved the little bridge adorned with roses near the front of the house. Dwarfed by ancient oaks and willows, it’s a beautiful spot with the children’s adventure play area just the other side of it.
We did a fair amount of running around at Mottisfont and I’m sure we didn’t explore the estate in the most logical order. It was a great day to be outdoors though, we couldn’t have timed it better with the sunshine appearing just as we did. We couldn’t leave without seeing the walled rose garden even though it’s at its peak in May/June time. But I suspect we’ll be back to Mottisfont again long before then.
