inspired by Gatesbield

I blipped this flower in the grounds of Gatesbield. It is one of many rare shrubs which the bumble bees were busy visiting.

The house and garden were created in the 1920's by two Quakers, Stanley and Emily Davies. The house is in the Arts and Crafts tradition. Much of the interior has been designed by Stanley, who was a cabinet maker. Emily also added some of the carving.

With the house finished in 1926 they turned their attention to the garden. Apart from the large oaks and firs, every tree and shrub in the garden was planted by them. Although they were cultivating rare and exotic species (including 100 different rhododendrons) they took care to choose species that would attract butterflies, birds, red squirrels and other wildlife. The name they chose - Gatesbield - means a shelter for wild animals.

As was the wish of Stanley and Emily,The house is now in the hands of a Quaker housing trust which has maintained the house and garden in the spirit of its creators. Nineteen self contained flats have been built in the grounds and the house itself provides shared facilities for dining and leisure. It certainly has a wonderfully caring and peaceful atmosphere.