When you come to Hellens don’t forget, if you can, to go for a stroll around our gardens. You will see an ancient knot garden by the famous Dovecote, and another knot garden on the East front whose design was inspired by the Jacobean overmantle in the house. There is also a labyrinth, but unlike a maze, you can’t get lost in it!

Hellens has other residents too. We have five geese, a shetland pony called Pie and donkeys, mother and son, Blossom and Plum.

Above is the goose pond, where incidentally, most of the original bricks came from for the house and adjacent are Pie and Blossom.

 

HallWood

In 2007 the PMM Charity Trust bought back Hallwood which, until sold in the early 20th century, had been part of the estate since the Doomsday Book records. This is a site of great historical, archeological, and scientific interest (SSSI). In spring the woods are full of wild flowers - daffodils,orchids,anemones,and bluebells. There are also small-leafed lime and wild service trees in the wood, which invariable suggest very ancient woodland.

If you are visiting Hellens you are welcome to explore (carefully!) Hallwood, which is just a ten-minute walk from the house.

 

SculptureWe have sculpture by several contemporary artists in the grounds:

Sculpture or pleasurable pastime? The willow ball by Frances Keenan www.franceskeenan.co.uk  Photo taken Christmas morning 2009.

Omega 4  (1989) by Nicholas Stephens, our resident sculptor and curator.

More of Nicholas Stephens sculpture in the snow.

Elephant (2008) by Anonymous (who is Anonymous?.)

Aardvark!

Alpha-Omega (2006) by Oliver Barratt.

Standing Stone (2003) by Kenneth Johannson.