Mottisfont

With a description like this:

"At the heart of this tranquil rural estate is Mottisfont Abbey, set in glorious grounds alongside the fast-flowing River Test. There are many layers of history for the visitor to explore, including the Gothic remains of the original 13th-century Augustinian priory. In the mid 20th century the final private owner, society hostess and patron of the arts Maud Russell, used the Abbey as a base for her racy and intriguing life. The River Test is one of the finest chalk steams in the world and the walled gardens house the National Collection of old-fashioned roses"

who could resist going to check this place out?! 


Well, we ended up finding a back entrance into the estate by mistake and proceeded to ramble for 1.5 hours without getting near the estate house or gardens....what we did find instead were some fabulous blue bell woods and a great stranger who tried to set us on track but whose efforts were lost on us!


We plan to go back soon to actually see the buildings, river and roses.