Because of the pandemic, it must be three years since I last visited Parcevall Hall Gardens. It's one of my favourite places, so it was a delight to return and enjoy a gentle wander around the estate. It's tucked away at the head of a small valley off Wharfedale, near to the village of Appletreewick. The Hall itself, a Grade II* listed manor house, serves as the retreat house for the Anglican Diocese of Leeds so it isn't open to general visitors, but you can explore the gardens. They extend over 24 acres up the steep hillside, with woodland, an orchard, formal terraces in front of the house, a rose garden and a rock garden, making use of the exposed limestone around a small stream behind the house.
The gardens were laid out by Sir William Milner in the 1920s, when he decided to rebuild the derelict 16th/17th century hall. After his death in 1960, the gardens gradually fell into disrepair but have been extensively restored since the 1980s and are now a wonderful testament to the experienced plantsman's dream.
One of the things I love about Parcevall is how it sits within the landscape, the gardens seeming to blend into the surrounding woods and moors.
A view from one of the roads leading to the Hall, below, shows how it nestles into the hillside among the trees, with typical, wild, limestone scenery just beyond.
From the top boundary of the garden, there is a gorgeous view up the picturesque limestone gorge known as Troller's Gill.
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good site for that lovely old building...and the refurbished gardens!
ReplyDeleteThe gardens are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe garden and surrounding areas were lovely to see. I liked the way the building was settled between the trees too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place that is.
ReplyDelete