If you know, you know, but many don't. Felley Priory retaining its reputation as Nottinghamshire's best-kept secret is difficult.
Strolling around the tranquil picturesque gardens with an ancient priory in the background and a cosy tearoom it's hard to image this hidden gem is just half a mile from the M1. Seemingly timeless, those who have discovered Felley Priory feel like they're stepping back in time.
The idyllic attraction welcomes just 7,000 people a year - and many of those are regulars. Unlike most visitor spots, Felley Priory, just off junction 27 at Underwood, is unusual since it's a private family home, belonging to barrister Thomas Brudenell.
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But the family open up the two-and-a-half acre gardens Tuesdays to Fridays all year round so the public can share the beauty whatever the season - with occasional openings on Sundays - and enjoy the homemade food in the cosy beamed tea room.
Michelle Upchurch, who manages Felley Priory for the Brudenell family, said: "We are moving the business forward a little bit but still trying to keep it what we call Nottinghamshire's best-kept secret - there's still a lot of people who don't know about us. It's timeless and this is why we don't want to go too commercial.
"We still want to keep it that nice quaint country garden that people can come and enjoy. We try to have something new each month of the year to see."
Michelle, who has worked at the site for 29 years, is one of ten staff who look after the gardens, tea room and horses, aided by a number of volunteers. She added: "We have people who return on a regular basis. We get people who just visit the tea room as it's got a good reputation as well."
A tree-lined driveway leads arrivals to the car park - and if you're lucky you may see the thoroughbred horses and a four-week foal running around the paddock. As the seasons change, so do the gardens. At this time of year, there's a blanket of snowdrops and a splash of colour from pale and deep blue dwarf irises, purple crocuses and pink hepatica.
The star attraction at the moment is the topiary, an array of bushes neatly shaped into pyramids, swans and castles. Soon, with the approach of spring, a carpet of daffodils and tulips will appear and those who brave the steep walk up the hill with be rewarded by five acres of bluebells in full bloom come the end of April.
Later in the year, the herbaceous borders will be the highlight of summer and the walled garden will be a blaze of colourful roses - all tended to by head gardener of 20 years Lindsey Ellis and her team, Tony Howard and Darren Bush. The rolling fields and woodland, looked after by tenant farmers and Forestry Commission, which can be seen in the distance are part of the 6,000-acre estate that extends to Hucknall, Selston and Newstead.
Since it's a private home, the priory itself isn't open to the public, but its history dates back to 1156 when it was the residence of 12 priests following the Rule of St Augustine. They ate fish on Fridays from a stew pond which is still there today, over the garden wall. Another pond in the garden is also home to carp.
After the Act for the Dissolution in 1835, much but not all of the building was destroyed. Salvaged parts, including the 12th century pillars, now at the entrance, were used during reconstruction. Sections of the present property date back to the 16th to 18th centuries.
The Chaworth-Musters family became owners in 1822 but no one lived there until 1973 when Major Robert sold Annesley Hall and moved to the other side of the M1. It was then the garden was created by him and his wife. Today it's home to son-in-law Thomas Brudenell, his second wife Amanda, and his two daughters Victoria and Sophia.
The tea room used to be where Michelle's office now is but ten years ago moved into the farmhouse building opposite. As well as seating for 32 in two rooms, there's a large garden that comes into its own in the summer.
Crumpets, croissants and toasted tea cakes are served for breakfast, followed by salad platters, sandwiches, quiche, sausage rolls, soup and and jacket potatoes up until closing time. Cakes, scones and two varieties of pre-bookable afternoon tea (Felley or Annesley) are on the menu, accompanied by "copious amounts" of hot drinks.
Everything is freshly made using produce from local companies including Jacksdale Butchers, Luke Evans bakery, and cakes from a Clifton baker.
Bryan and Teresa Mills, of South Normanton, are regulars, visiting every week for coffee and toast. Despite living only five miles away it was only a few years ago that they discovered Felley Priory.
Teresa, 62, said: "Someone told us about it. I'd never heard of it and we've lived in South Normanton for 40 years and we couldn't believe what a fantastic place - that's why we come every week and we always say aren't we lucky. It's an absolute gem.
"The tea room is beautiful, really friendly staff, and the garden is just idyllic. In summer it's beautiful. The gardens are gorgeous and really well kept and loved. You feel like you're going back in time as well.
"I always say I hope not too many people get to know about this place because it's so wonderful. Whether you want to walk or just vegetate for an hour like we've done today, it's lovely." Bryan, 74, added: "We go around the garden four or five times a year to see the different flowers."
Next to the tea room is a nursery selling plants from three local companies. Twice a year 20-25 local nurseries hold a plant sale there with many usual plants. In 2023 the dates are June 4 and September 17.
It's free to park and visit the tea room but it costs £6.50 to £7.50 to visit the gardens (with every sixth visit free thanks to a loyalty card). As a Royal Horticultural Society partner garden its free to members on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The garden also has a charity day on April 16 in support of the National Open Garden Scheme.
For opening hours go to felleypriory.co.uk/visit
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