Location : Eskdale Green / Boot
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 143003
Eskdale Green, Holmrook, Cumbria. CA19 1TE. Tel: 019467 23281
Gatehouse was built in 1896 as a country retreat for Lord Rea, a Liverpool coal and shipping millionaire. It has been owned by Outward Bound since 1950 and has recently under gone extensive refurbishment.
The gardens were originally planted in 1901, when James Hall Rea and the famous landscape architect, Thomas Mawson, set about the creation of 'a garden to rival Lord Muncaster's estate'. Although now in slight decline, there are still superb shrubberies, specimen trees and a lovely series of cascades. If you are staying at Gate House you will have all of this to enjoy, otherwise make a point of strolling round the grounds at the Eskdale Fete (end of August).
The Japanese Garden, in Giggle Alley forest, [89: NY 141001], was the jewel in James Rea's horticultural crown. Following decades of neglect the garden is now being caringly restored by local volunteers and Forest Enterprise. There are thickets of bamboo, a stunning display of Japanese maples and the heady scent of azaleas in the spring. The whole forest is open to the public and makes for an ideal Sunday afternoon walk.
Gatehouse is licensed for civil weddings.
Eskdale Green, with Gatehouse upper centre, and Giggle Alley (the bright red acer).
Aerial photos by Simon Ledingham.
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