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!
.