Enjoy a good book in a sunny spot, a gentle stroll or a summer party… The Dower House is set in five and a half acres of splendidly landscaped gardens and we make great use of them, the gardens are very much a part of life here.

Take a tour of our grounds

Spring tour

Summer tour

Autumn tour

The Dower House’s founder, Mrs Judith Lywood, always took a great personal interest in the gardens, ensuring that they provide a source of pleasure for residents, staff and visitors. Mrs Lywood saw the grounds very much as an extension of the home and our Head Gardener, Ben Weatherall, continues to work in this way.

Our Head Gardener is always happy to stop and chat, or take you around the gardens and keeps us all informed on garden developments in the monthly newsletter.

It is our policy to encourage you to enjoy the grounds, either walking or in a wheelchair with the assistance of a member of staff as being outdoors and in green spaces is incredibly beneficial to our wellbeing.

Our wide riven stone path circulates through the main part of the grounds for easy access. There are many seating areas around the grounds where you can sit and take in the wonderful views. The flower beds surrounding residents’ patios are individually planted with bulbs and perennials. The grounds are planted with swathes of spring flowering bulbs including snowdrops, winter aconites, daffodils, crocuses, bluebells and fritillaries.

The large pond and bog garden area is a particularly delightful place to sit and relax.

As much as the weather allows, we make use of the gardens for various activities including summer parties and games.

Belinda Rush Jansen

As you walk through The Dower House and its grounds, you will find several examples of Belinda’s sculptures for you to enjoy.

From 1980-83 Belinda specialised at Edinburgh in clay and stone carving. During this time, she exhibited regularly at the Royal Scottish Academy and was invited to become a member of Scottish Women Artists. She has won a number of awards; which includes the Royal Scottish Academy Award for best female sculptor. A number of her sculptures are in public buildings as well as private collections around the world.

You can find out more about Belinda Rush Jansen by clicking here.

Enjoy a taste of life at The Dower House

Join us for a tour of the house to experience the welcoming, homely atmosphere. Book a visit now, we’d be delighted to welcome you.