Mount Stewart

Mount Stewart is an amazing property held by the National Trust.

"Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership.
The garden reflects a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry that was the hallmark of Edith, Lady Londonderry. The mild climate of Strangford Lough allows astonishing levels of planting experimentation. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season.
Engaging tours of the opulent house reveal its fascinating heritage and historic world-famous artefacts and artwork." from their web site.

We took my mom to this gardens that the kids and I had yet to visit.  It had been recommended to us and was everything we had been told.  To get there we had to catch an Ulsterbus from Belfast to Newtownards, not pronounced anything like it looks, we had to switch to a new bus for the short ride to the gates for Mount Stewart on the Strangford Lough.

Our fist stop was right through the gates at the visitor center.  They directed our view through a telescope to the seals playing on an island in the Lough, it is tidal.  The distance was to great to get them with a camera but it was cool to know they were out there.

island where the seals were playing

Samuel was excited about this guy they share the same name

Next we came to the coach house where the Marquise of Londonderry's coach is on loan for a while.

The gardens of this house are every gardeners dream.  They host a variety of tress and shrubs from many parts of the world.  And it has a lake with swans in it, perfect.

The house tour was very interesting.  The kids even found it easy to listen as we went along.  The family gave the gardens over to the National Trust first then years later part of the house.  Several rooms are still in the possession of the family and can be used for their visits.  As you may guess it is a huge house.

front of Mount Stewart

back of Mount Stewart

dining room set with pink diner ware

library

fancy bed

sitting room

main entry

After the house tour we visited the formal gardens.  They are close to the house and are very manicured.

garden area that is outside of the drawing room window

a harp is shaped into the hedge

Spanish garden

Like all good things it was too soon time to head for home.  The gates would be closing and supper time was fast approaching.

waiting at the bus stop

this is the view we had on our walk home from the bus station

rainbow reflecting on the River Lagan