Autumnal Nymans

My cousin  - who, incidentally, took these photos - and family took me to Nymans today; fine and sunny it is, too. My cousin lives fifteen minutes' away from Nymans in West Sussex. 

We had intended to have a sandwich in the restaurant, though it was too late and the variety was depleted.

We all strolled in the superb landscaped grounds. A large part of the mansion is ruinous, having suffered a disastrous fire in the 1940s.

In the late 19th century an unusually creative family bought the Nymans estate, in the picturesque High Weald landscape of Sussex, to make a home in the country. Inspired by the setting and the soil, the Messels created one of the great gardens, with experimental designs and new plants from around the world. 

Here they entertained family and friends, enjoying relaxing times, strolling in the garden, playing, picnicking and walking in the woods. The National Trust is reinventing Nymans for the 21st century by running the estate in a new, greener way.