Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Mount Stewart Pool

THE LATE CHARLES VILLIERS, A GRANDSON OF THE LATE LADY MAIRI BURY AND GREAT-GRANDSON OF THE 7TH MARQUESS AND MARCHIONESS OF LONDONDERRY, HAS KINDLY PROVIDED ME WITH A COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN ABOUT 1970 AT MOUNT STEWART'S SWIMMING-POOL

The family's private swimming-pool was located at the edge of Mount Stewart estate, between the main Portaferry Road and Strangford Lough, County Down.

This was an idyllic spot, cut off from the estate by the Portaferry road.

Until it was demolished it was used by sunbathers during the day-time.

The swimming-pool was kidney-shaped. 

A wooden gazebo structure overlooked Strangford Lough.

 It stood on a rotating mechanism which could be turned towards or away from the sunshine.

Parts of the retaining wall and foundations of the swimming-pool enclosure remain.

The salt-water, kidney-shaped pool was surrounded by exotic trees and tropical flowers.

  
The small figures in the pool are Charles and his sister Charlotte, being watched by their long-suffering Lancastrian nanny, Sheila.

Charles's parents were invariably present too and, on this occasion, Charles's godfather, Edward Biddulph (1934-2001) was present. 

First published in November, 2010.
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9 comments:

  1. Philip9 January 2012 at 16:43

    I recall the reopening of the swimming pool after refurbishment which I am guessing must be in the late 60.s early 70's. I played water polo at the time and our team were asked to play a game at the reopening party. Difficult in a kidney shaped pool but we gave it a go and enjoyed the food and entertainment from the Apex Jazz Band after. From time to time I hav asked the staff at the house did they know of the swimming pool but the ones that I asked had never heard of it. I looked for signs of the pool today but could see no trace of it apart from the foundations of the wooden revolving lookout.

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    1. Lorna Janette Baker29 August 2022 at 14:10

      If you feel with your feet you will find and trace the edges.

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  2. Anonymous3 August 2014 at 19:41

    Apparently the buildings/changing rooms were pulled down and the pool filled in as it was too risky leaving it as it was for fear of someone getting injured. Such a shame, it was a beautiful place, I remember the first time i saw it in the early 70's as a child, I stood at that blue gate looking down the steps towards the pool and my wee jaw dropped !!! And the family were present, having fun in this oasis on the edge of Strangford Lough, such a shame it couldn't be kept by the National Trust as another attraction from the amazing Mount Stewart. I visited for the first time in my life two days ago and I was flabbergasted.... I've lived about 4 miles down the road all my life and drove past those stone walls a million times but never ever dream't what lay on the other side - I will be back for the reopening in April for sure !!!!

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  3. Anonymous29 July 2016 at 22:13

    yes as Lord Belmont states there is no visible trace of this once glorious swimming pool , - however this afternoon after exploring the overgrown area where the pool was situated I was pleased to find several pieces of the blue pottery glazed tiles which once formed the swimming pool, a reminder of a long gone piece of Mountstewart history.

    29th July 2016

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  4. Unknown12 September 2016 at 19:05

    Its full off gays and is a dogging site..shocking to witness whats going on there especially when your walking along the beach with my two young sons.

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    1. Lorna Janette Baker29 August 2022 at 14:11

      Thats the gasworks. Not the pool. So far as I understand.

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  5. Anonymous26 November 2018 at 04:32

    Does anyone know when the swimming pool was originally built? Presumably the 1930's?

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  6. Unknown7 March 2021 at 00:31

    Such a sad time we live in. I was at the site of the swimming pool today and my heart sank.
    All gone bar a few stone walls, over grown steps and a crudely blocked up archway. The National Trust should do the following. Fence in the entire area with anti-climb wire fencing as Belvoir Players Theatre Complex has around their grounds. Excavate and tarmac a large area for parking close to the road. Clear the ground where the pool, terrace and tiered gardens were. Replicate the original building and install a coffee shop. Then where the kidney shaped pool was, pave it just a few inches below the surrounding terrace level. Put tables and chairs and umbrellas up in that area and on the terrace and serve pasteries, sandwiches, lemonade etc. It would be like a sunken garden reminiscent of days gone by. I think the public would love it. Come on National Trust - what an exciting opportunity to create some magic. Chris Curry

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  7. Timothy Belmont7 March 2021 at 08:12

    Chris, I wholeheartedly share your sentiments.

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