Lisselan Gardens

Lisselan Gardens were laid out in Robinsonian style from the early 1850’s. William Bence-Jones chose a site on a promontory above the river for a French chateau style house designed by Lewis Vulliamy. The Bence-Jones family created 30 acres of gardens which take advantage of the natural features and contours provided by the valley and the Argideen River running through it.

The gardens are much as they were in their Edwardian hay day containing many spectacular features such as an azalea garden, rockery, Japanese maple, rose wreathed pergola, water garden, and a rhododendron garden. The shrubbery contains mature pines, spruce, holly and more unusual plants including acacia, myrtle, eucalyptus, Robinia and Judas tree. A series of flagstone pathways and rustic bridges add ambience and character to the gardens.

Many unusual plants not generally associated with the local geographical region have been planted in Robinsonian style to provide year round interest and colour. Flagstone walks wind around the sides of the valley to different features, through the azalea garden and rose pergola, and through a stroll known as the Ladies’ Mile lined with colourful shrubs, great banks of rhododendrons, Japanese maples, myrtles, Judas trees and robinia. The river is also responsible for the appealing topography, which suits the Robinsonian style of the garden, laid out for the Bence-Jones family around a house in French Chateau style by architect Lewis Vulliamy. 

For anyone that is not an avid gardening fan we also offer golf on one of the country’s finest 9 hole courses. In 2004, Lisselan Golf Club was formed with the course open to green fees and members, seven days a week. The new par 72 layout consists of 4 par 5, 4 par 3 and 10 par 4 holes. The course meanders around the majestic Lisselan Gardens, with the trout filled Argideen River flowing through. The golf course has trams to add to your golfing experience. Without any doubt, this surely adds to the challenge that awaits.