Mottisfont

Mottisfont began as an Augustinian priory in 1201, became a private house after the Dissolution and was reinvented in the 1930s by Maud Russell, whose neo-classical interiors include a drawing room painted in trompe l'oeil by Rex Whistler, his last major mural. The house sits beside the River Test, a chalk stream so clear that reviewers linger on the entrance bridge watching trout hold station below. The walled garden holds the National Collection of pre-1900 shrub roses, planted by Graham Stuart Thomas and at their peak for a few weeks in early summer; the Winter Garden, snowdrops and ancient plane trees carry the rest of the year, and a gallery hosts changing exhibitions. Dogs on a short lead can explore most of the garden. Visitors praise the volunteers, the riverside walk and the rhubarb and ginger scones. Tips from regulars: in rose season parking must be pre-booked and entry is timed, and the car parks fill before midday, so arrive early; bring a picnic, as benches are scarce.