The ‘best National Trust property’ 2 hours outside London with woodlands and an art collection

The National Trust looks after some of the UK’s greatest bits of cultural history, always making a fantastic day out. Exploring ancient buildings, luscious gardens and cream teas – perfection.

If you’re hankering for a lovely day out, then look no further than Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire, which was rated as the best National Trust property by The Telegraph. Sitting just two hours from London, it could be the best and most beautiful bit of fresh air you get this year.

The grand 18th-century original home has had exquisite additions made to it over the years, particularly when its most famous owner Maud Russell moved in in the 1930s. The classic building was renovated into the outstanding patchwork of history it is today blending the 1930s neo-classical with Georgian beauty built around the Tudor palace.

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One of the most striking features of the place is the medieval Augustinian priory that sits on the grounds, which was founded in 1201. It fell victim to Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s and 40s but all was not lost as it formed part of the foundation on which the house still stands today. The vaulted ceiling of the cellarium is still intact too, a fascinating step backwards in time.

But the architecture is not the only draw to the place – the gardens near the house are carpeted with spring bulbs, ready to burst open with the warm weather that’s soon to be here. The garden is also equipped to strut its stuff during wintertime with rich autumnal leaves and colourful plants. There are babbling brooks hidden away in corners waiting to be discovered as well as 1,600 acres of woodland-tenanted farmland in the local area.

But if that still wasn’t enough there is yet more man-made beauty on show at Mottisfont. It is home to an incredibly unique art gallery – The Derek Hill Collection. In it are fine paintings, sculptures, ceramics, wallpapers, furniture pieces, tapestries, classic rare books, and even archaeological pieces.

Owners Gilbert and Maud Russell entertained a vivid circle of friends here and Maud’s second husband, the artist Boris Anrep, created two mosaics here, reports The Telegraph. The drawing room there is also extraordinarily painted by Rex Whistler.

The beautiful home is a must-visit. Tickets are between £17 and £21 for adults but there are discounted children’s tickets and also family tickets available. Click here to find out more.

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