The Manor - Hemingford Grey

First impressions are deceiving at Hemingford Grey, where this apparently Georgian facade masks one of the oldest continually inhabited houses in Britain. Behind the red brick lies beautiful stonework from c.1130 in the original rooms, and a fascinating history. Sitting proud on the banks of the River Ouse and previously owned by children’s author, Lucy Boston, The Manor now houses an internationally-important collection of patchwork quilts.

Relative to the medieval origins of the house, the cottage-style gardens are a fairly recent addition, crafted lovingly in the war and post-war years from two adjacent fields and bordered on all sides by water, with a moat connected to the river. There are four acres in total, with one acre left for nature, and the combination of natural and cultivated garden is rich in wildlife. The grounds are now a riot of colour in the spring and summer, with many naturalistic herbaceous borders, including a beautiful collection of bearded irises, and a lovely wildflower meadow, where fritillaries and marsh orchids grow. Don't miss the hidden garden, which is home to flowering Cherry Trees in spring and mature Yews which are beautiful year-round.

Along the path down to the river are impressive examples of Yew topiary, planted during the war by Lucy Boston, who was also responsible for the property’s sensitive restoration to its Norman roots.

How long is a typical visit?

The average visitor spends 1 - 2 hours (Quarter Day) at The Manor, Hemingford Grey.