Scampston Hall

Whether you are a plant-obsessed gardener or just a casual garden lover, you are sure to be impressed by the striking beauty of the contemporary garden at Scampston Hall. Set inside the original 18^th Century kitchen garden’s walls, the walled garden today boasts a surprisingly modern and exciting feel that perfectly complements the beautiful Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown parkland that lies adjacent to it.

The first house at Scampston was built around 1700 by Sir William St Quintin. The house and its surrounds have passed down through the St Quintin family to today, although the family surname is now Legard through marriage. The house was remodelled by Thomas Leverton in 1795-1800 to the grand Regency Hall that can be seen today. It boasts magnificent Regency interiors and a fine art collection which are generously open to the public throughout the year.

SCAMPSTON HALL GARDENS

Boasting a spectacular setting in stunning North Yorkshire, this gorgeous garden is home not only to traditional gardens but also scenic views and beautiful walks in the surrounding parkland. From the recently restored icehouse to the wildlife-filled lakes, the estate is a treasure trove of natural gems waiting to be explored.

However, it is the contemporary Walled Garden that really puts Scampston Hall on the map. The interior of the walled garden is made up of contrasting ‘rooms’ which make up this glorious outdoor paradise. Following a design created by Piet Oudolf, the famous Dutch plantsman, it features both traditional and modern planting, including the beautiful perennial meadow, modern waves of rolling grass and the silent garden’ – the ideal spot for quiet contemplation.

Originally, Scampston Hall’s gardens were designed by the renowned ‘Capability’ Brown to include a traditional Palladian bridge alongside ten acres of lakes. However, during the 1800s, the landscaping went through a revamp, during which a water and rock garden was added.

As with many estates, the garden went through a period of decline after the world wars. For almost half a century it remained derelict until Sir Charles and Lady Legard agreed to undertake the enormous task of renovation. After enlisting help from Piet Oudolf, a leading light in the world of international garden design, the walled garden’s design was first created in 1999 and it was opened to the public six years later in 2005. Since that time it has been the recipient of great international acclaim and, while the planting ideas pioneered by Oudolf are much imitated these days, Scampston Hall’s Walled Garden remains a key example of his innate design skill paired with his knowledge and authority as a plantsman. To date, it is his biggest private commission in the United Kingdom.

Each of the Walled Garden’s rooms boasts its own distinctive character. The Silent Garden’s yew pillars, Molinia grasses, box cubes, formal hedges and adventurous topiary all provide stunning contrasts and structural emphasis that enhance the garden’s natural beauty and attract bees, butterflies and a host of other wildlife.

No visit to the garden would be complete without finishing on the pyramid-like structure of the Mount. Here, while standing amidst the wildflower meadow beneath the cherry trees, it is possible to take in the entire design scheme and appreciate the breath-taking vistas that make this garden one of the finest in North Yorkshire.

https://www.scampston.co.uk