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By far the oldest structure on the site is the Pele Tower, which was built circa 1350 by the de Redman family to defend against Scottish raiders. Most of the construction visible today was erected in the second half of the 16th century, when new residents, the Bellingham family, created the elegant mansion and embellished it with fine panelling and plasterwork. In 1694, the complex inherited two rear wings courtesy of Col. James Grahme, former Privy Purse to James II. These formed the courtyard. The final addition was the Howard Tower, completed in 1820. The later buildings are noteworthy for their extravagant design features, from their ornate ceilings to the gilded hearts on the drainpipes.
There's much to see inside the house as well. The Pele Tower contains an array of Jacobean furniture and a selection of watercolours by Peter de Wint (1784-1849). Elsewhere, additional paintings by Rubens and portraits by Sir Peter Lely adorn the walls. A small museum features an extensive clock collection as well as memorabilia from current owners, the Bagot family, including the costume worn by Charles Bagot at the Coronation of George IV. The Redman Dressing Room contains the earliest known English patchwork, which dates from 1708.
The stunning gardens have been here for over 300 years. They were designed by French horticulturist Guillaume Beaumont towards the end of the 17th century and are among the most celebrated topiary gardens in Britain. Today, they're practically unchanged from their original design, and are kept in shape by a small army of gardeners. There are over 90 pieces of yew and box topiary in total, shaped in varying designs, such as cones, spirals, pyramids, peacocks and chess pieces. The tallest specimens reach up to 6 metres (20 ft) in height. In between them are a series of box-edged beds filled with vivid herbaceous displays. A fountain garden with pleached lime trees was added in 1994 to celebrate the Gardens' tercentenary.
The grounds' park is home to the rare Bagot Goats and a herd of black fallow deer. An impressive collection of steam engines live here as well. Among them is a 1925 Foden Steam Wagon, and a 1902 Locke Steam car, which regularly acts as a makeshift touring vehicle. There's also a children's play area, a gift shop and a cafe. Homemade lunches and teas are prepared in the house kitchens and can be enjoyed with Levens' unique beverage - Morocco Ale. The ale is believed to date from Elizabethan times and its recipe is a close-guarded secret that was allegedly buried in the gardens in the 18th century. Other local superstitions involve supposed otherworldly goings on, including a Grey Lady that haunts the hallway and even the ghost of a small black dog that wanders through the many rooms.
More information on Levins Hall
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