Visit to the STUNNING Mottisfont | Mottisfont

National Trust - Mottisfont | Romsey, Hampshire ​Set beside the clear, fast-flowing waters of the River Test in the Hampshire countryside, National Trust - Mottisfont is a historic country estate renowned for its medieval origins, world-famous rose gardens, and vibrant artistic legacy. At its heart sits a striking 18th-century mansion built directly into the fabric of a 13th-century Augustinian priory. ​About this Location: Founded in 1201 as Mottisfont Priory by William Briwere, the site served as a vital spiritual community and resting point for pilgrims traveling to Winchester. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, the priory was converted into a Tudor family home by Lord Sandys, who unusually preserved much of the original monastic structure—including the vaulted medieval cellarium and the nave—rather than demolishing it. The property was later remodeled in the Georgian era to give the house its stately exterior. ​In 1934, arts patron Maud Russell acquired Mottisfont and transformed it into a fashionable country retreat for interwar artists, writers, and intellectuals. Her most famous legacy is the Whistler Room, a magnificent salon decorated with theatrical, Gothic trompe-l'œil murals by artist Rex Whistler shortly before he was killed in WWII. Maud gifted the entire estate to the National Trust in 1957, securing its protection for future generations. ​Common Questions about Mottisfont: Q: What makes the Mottisfont Rose Garden so famous? A: Created in the 1970s by horticulturalist Graham Stuart Thomas within the historic walled kitchen garden, Mottisfont holds the National Collection of pre-1900 old-fashioned shrub roses. Featuring over 500 varieties, the roses reach their sensational, highly scented peak during June each year. ​Q: Can you see the original medieval priory inside the house? A: Yes, visitors can explore the astonishing 13th-century vaulted cellarium beneath the main floor, as well as medieval archways, columns, and stone carvings secretly incorporated into the walls of the later Georgian home. ​Q: What else is there to explore across the estate? A: The estate spans 1,600 acres of Hampshire countryside, featuring ancient woodlands, riverside walks along the chalk stream of the River Test, expansive lawns for picnics, and an adventurous wild play area with water pumps and log climbs for children. ​Q: Are dogs allowed at Mottisfont? A: Dogs on short leads are welcome across the wider estate, along the river walks, and in the outdoor seating areas of the cafes, but they are not permitted inside the walled rose garden or inside the house (with the exception of assistance dogs). ​Q: Is Mottisfont open year-round? A: Yes, the estate, gardens, art gallery, and main house are generally open daily throughout the year (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), with seasonal art exhibitions hosted inside the top-floor gallery spaces. ​Visitor Tip: If visiting during the peak June rose season, take advantage of the special extended evening opening hours when the crowd numbers drop and the fragrance of the old-fashioned blooms is at its strongest in the warm dusk air. ​#Mottisfont #NationalTrust #Hampshire #RoseGarden #RiverTest #HistoricHouses #RexWhistler #WalledGarden #Romsey #HiddenGemsUK