Nymans, Handcross, West Sussex.

We visited this magnificent house and gardens which was purchased in the late 1800's by Ludwig Messel who was inspired by the wonderful woodlands surrounding the estate. He then created a garden filled with plants which he had collected from around the world.  In 1947, the house was partially destroyed by a large fire and all that remained was a Gothic ruin. The house was then partially rebuilt and was inhabited by the Messels until 1953 when it and its 275 acre garden was willed to the national Trust.  The garden contains some stunning plants and most unusual trees, and during the great storm of 1987, a total of 486  mature trees and shrubs were lost. This place is a "must" if you are ever near.