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1 Scotsmansfield

Terraced garden of ¾ acre, renewed over a decade after long neglect. Attached to E wing of ‘Scotsmansfield’ (not open), built 1908. Celebration of favourite plants, with colour, shape, texture, scent, light, shade and plentiful wildlife. Trees, fernery, lily pond, mixed borders, yew hedges, lavish roses. Areas of tranquillity and intimacy, occasions of drama and long views of surrounding woods and hills.

Owner Info

  • Peter Vickers & Hilary Taylor
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield
1 Scotsmansfield

About 1 Scotsmansfield

‘Scotsmansfield’ (listed Grade II, not open), was built on the lower slopes of the Long Mynd in 1908, by leading Arts & Crafts architect and founding member of the Art Workers’ Guild, Sir Ernest Newton. The location of a ‘small country house’ of this period was dependent on its ‘prospect and aspect’. Accordingly, Scotsmansfield is distinguished by its long, south-facing aspect, commanding views over the gardens and towards the market town and surrounding hills of Church Stretton – all now in Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB).

The house lost many of its acres (which originally included Rectory Wood) in the 1950s and house and gardens were divided into three in the 1960s. Parts of the garden of No.1 were neglected for many years; by 2014 (when current owners arrived), extensive brambles and scrub had been cleared, revealing terraces and lawns, walls, yew hedges and a group of mature North American conifers, legacies of original layout. A lily pond, constructed in the late 1920s, was also uncovered, having been buried beneath collapsed walls and vegetation.

Today, this garden extends to ¾ acre. It has several distinct areas, including: oak bank, with wild-flowers; woodland fernery and shepherd’s hut; lily pond garden; mixed borders; a formal garden, laid out on part of the former tennis lawn; richly-planted terraced banks; topiary; and two sheltered terraces, with lots of pots and comfortable seating. Designed to complement the house and its setting, the garden is a collection of favourite plants; a composition of colour, shape, texture, scent, light and shade; an invitation to many birds, butterflies, bats, bees, newts and frogs; and a place to sit and enjoy the views of woodland and hills. It is intended to create a contrasting sequence of atmospheres, with passages of generous and intricate planting, tranquil places to relax and moments of drama. Much of what visitors now see has been developed since early 2015 – and much remains to be done!
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1 Scotsmansfield features

Location details

1 Scotsmansfield,
Church Stretton,
Shropshire,
SY6 6DP

Directions to 1 Scotsmansfield
Approach Church Stretton from A49. At Sandford Rd/ High St jct, turn R & then L, up Burway Rd. No parking. Easthope Rd car park available SY6 6BL. Shuttle bus running from here.

1 Scotsmansfield openings

This garden has now completed its National Garden Scheme openings for this year.

Accessibility

  • Partial access via steep gravelled paths to some areas. Wheelchair users will need support from a competent and fit assistant.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at 1 Scotsmansfield at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Yes, one or more routes at 1 Scotsmansfield are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. 1 Scotsmansfield seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.