The Garden
Fifty acres of lawns, gardens and parkland surround Castle Durrow, originally laid out by the Flower family nearly three hundred years ago and lovingly restored by the Stokes family. From the rose-filled courtyard to the walled orchard, there is plenty to explore, with something different to discover around every corner.
History of the Garden at Castle Durrow
The gardens at Castle Durrow were first laid out by the Flower family nearly 300 years ago, at a time when the estate was both a family home and a working country estate. The surrounding farmland supported the household, while horses and carriages were an essential part of daily life, used for transport, hunting and recreation.
The pleasure gardens were designed for leisurely strolls, picnics and enjoying the changing seasons. Specimen trees were planted throughout the grounds, many of which have now reached maturity, including an impressive box plant standing almost 12 feet tall and a monkey puzzle tree, considered highly fashionable at the time.
Beyond the South Lawn, the gardens continue towards the walled garden and orchard. The Dutch border was traditionally planted with narcissi and tulips, creating a colourful display each spring. The River Erkina winds its way through the estate, adding to the natural beauty of the surrounding parkland and countryside.
More recently, the Stokes family established the kitchen garden, continuing the estate's long tradition of growing food. Today, the gardens remain a place to wander, relax and enjoy the countryside, just as they were intended centuries ago.
Castle Durrow in its Current Form
Following the departure of the Ashbrook family, the gardens entered a period of neglect until Peter and Shelly Stokes began their restoration, reopening Castle Durrow as a country house hotel in 2000.
Restoring the gardens has been a labour of love, with years of planting, renovation and careful attention bringing them back to life. As with any great garden, the work is never truly finished, and the grounds continue to evolve with each passing year.
Today, Castle Durrow is surrounded by 50 acres of mature gardens and parkland, with sweeping lawns, colourful borders, woodland walks, orchards and the River Erkina winding through the estate.
Each season brings something different, from the masses of spring bulbs lining the tree-lined avenue and filling the walled garden, to the roses and colourful borders of summer, followed by the changing colours of autumn.
A Garden of Many Rooms
Much like the house itself, the gardens at Castle Durrow are divided into a series of outdoor rooms, each with its own character and atmosphere. Whether you're a keen gardener or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, there is plenty to discover.
To the rear of the house, steps lead into the courtyard garden, where hundreds of fragrant David Austin roses fill the air with their scent throughout the summer.
From here, wander into the walled garden, where informal planting sits alongside more formal garden design. The orchard is home to old fruit trees, as well as our resident ducks and chickens, while the Sunken Garden offers a more structured setting, with its ornamental canal, decorative pots and statues.
Each area has its own charm, inviting visitors to take their time and explore the gardens at their own pace.