mount stewart house and gardens

Mount Stewart offers to the visitor one of the most complete gardens in the care of the National Trust. The garden, designed by Edith, Lady of Londonderry from 1921, includes almost every style of gardening and supports an incomparable plant collection.

Frances and Charles, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, became celebrated figures, leading a glittering social life and travelling extensively. They collected works of art and furniture on their travels and brought them back to Mount Stewart and among their more spectacular aquisitions were the 22 chairs used at the Congress of Vienna.

When King Edward and Queen Alexandra visited the house in 1903 their hostess the 6th Marchioness had 274 servants to keep the royal guests happy. As a bride the 7th Marchioness thought Mount Stewart the 'dampest, darkest' place and completely refurbished the interiors and created a series of gardens.