Holker Hall & Gardens

Holker Hall & Gardens

Holker is the home of Lucy Cavendish and her husband Tor McLaren who extend a warm welcome to all visitors. Magnificently situated only a short distance from Grange-over-Sands and the expanse of Morecambe Bay, the Estate is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into parkland, framed by the Lakeland Hills. Holker Hall, home of the Cavendish Family, has never been bought or sold but passed by inheritance through just three families: the Prestons, the Lowthers and the Cavendishes, with each generation leaving its impression by either altering the landscape or by changing the house by adding, refacing, embellishing or even rebuilding, as happened to the New Wing after the disastrous fire of 1871. The gardens at Holker have evolved over many hundreds of years, under the guidance of generations of the Cavendish Family. Each owner has made their mark, adding new features and plantings, to create a garden that is now rich in character and beauty. At its heart, it remains a family garden and while its scale is grand, it retains an intimacy in its planting and design.

Review

Holker Hall truly has a special place in my heart, not only because of its rich history which can be found within every room in this house, but because as a child, I have very fond memories of visiting here. We didn’t go to many historic houses when I was young, but whilst on a weekends holiday with my aunty Val, we visited three. What I truly admire about this particular house, is that its still owned and lived in by one of the many generations of Devonshire’s and although open to the public, each room is like they have just stepped out for a brief moment. The gardens themselves are also a talking piece and huge care has gone into every inch of their garden, but don’t take my word for it, go and see for yourself. No trip to the Lakes is complete without a visit to Holker Hall & Gardens.