Take a moment to relax and wander among the shrubs and flowers, discover a secret pond or stretch out on a hammock in the pine grove. We have planted and nurtured our garden organically over the last thirty years on what was once an open field. It has become a tranquil retreat and home to many kinds of wildlife.
Lough Tullynagee stretches out below Anna's House and is home to many ducks, moorhens and swans. In summer we enjoy taking a boat and a small picnic and rowing across the lake. In winter, we often enjoy sitting in the music room and watching the visiting Bewick Swans who grace our waters. We have a telescope and several binoculars to allow you to watch the action close-up.
We are fortunate to be surrounded by a large number of Natural Trust properties and nature reserves.
1. WWT – Castle Espie (3 miles) Castle Espie Wetland Centre is set on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland where almost the entire population of Light-bellied Brent Geese reside during the winter months.
2. National Trust – Rowallane Garden (8 miles) A true plantsman's garden in an informal style – with trees, shrubs and plants from around the world.
3. Ulster Wildlife Trust – Ballydyan (8 miles) With two different parts, half of the reserve is mature ash and some scrub and the other half is a grassland with some wetland areas. It is an incredible place for birds and in spring there are many interesting butterflies.
4. National Trust – Mount Stewart House and Garden (12 miles) One of Northern Ireland's most popular National Trust properties with a celebrated landscaped park voted European Garden of Inspiration 2003, and dramatic views across Strangford Lough from the Temple of the Winds.
5. National Trust – Castle Ward (22 miles) A dramatic setting overlooking Strangford Lough with woodland, lakeside and parkland walks offering stunning viewpoints.
6. Tollymore Forest Park (29 miles) For the student of garden follies, Tollymore is a rare treat: a barn dressed up to look like a church, stone cones atop gate piers and gothic-style gate arches all show the influence of that highly individualistic designer, Thomas Wright of Durham (1711-1786).