George Harrison spent the last three decades of his life falling in love with a garden. The former Beatle purchased an old Victorian mansion known as Friar Park in January 1970. According to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which built an entire exhibition around Harrison’s love for gardening, he was only 27 years of age when he acquired this neglected property. This simple purchase grew into a restoration project that continues to thrive under the care of Harrison’s family.
A grand house that had fallen into disrepair
Friar Park was not built by Harrison. Records held by Historic England, the government body that protects the country's important sites, show the mansion was constructed in the late 1800s and was commissioned by Sir Frank Crisp, a lawyer, who designed the gardens that surround the property. By the time Harrison came looking for a new home, much of that splendor had long faded. Historic England's records, along with Selby Gardens' account, describe the magnificent Victorian mansion with its gardens as having run down, with yews having taken over the topiary.
A young Beatle finds his forever home
Harrison purchased Friar Park shortly after the Beatles disbanded, ending one period of his life as he embarked on another one. The property covered some 32 acres of land, inclusive of the main house and the smaller lodges, according to the exhibition. In an interview with NBC News at Friar Park, Harrison's second wife, Olivia, remembers how Harrison had been looking for some place away from the bustle of London, and Friar Park offered just what he wanted. She said the couple had moved several times in search of more privacy before finding Friar Park. After moving into the house with his wife, Pattie Boyd, Harrison spent more time outside than in his house.
