Sausmarez Manor — Attraction in St Martin

Sausmarez Manor truly offers a captivating glimpse into Guernsey's rich history and vibrant present. From the moment you approach the impressive Queen Anne facade, you're aware you're stepping into a place with centuries of stories etched into its very stones. The guided tour of the house, often led with genuine passion and knowledge, brings these stories to life. Hearing about the de Sausmarez family's fascinating lineage, from privateers to colonial governors, and the remarkable tales associated with the manor, like the treasure ship bounty, is truly engaging. The blend of architectural styles within the house itself is a testament to its long and evolving history. Beyond the house, the subtropical gardens are a tranquil oasis. Wandering through the lush foliage, discovering exotic plants thriving in Guernsey's mild climate, and enjoying the peaceful lakes provides a welcome escape. The award-winning nature of these gardens is evident in their beauty and variety. What makes Sausmarez particularly unique is the unexpected and delightful sculpture park nestled within the grounds. Stumbling upon striking and thought-provoking pieces by artists from around the world adds a contemporary artistic dimension to the historical setting. It's a wonderful way to experience art in a natural and informal environment. For those seeking a thrill, the renowned ghost tours are a must-do. The manor's reputation as one of Britain's most haunted houses is certainly intriguing, and the spooky tales shared during the tour, often by the Seigneur himself, are both entertaining and a little unnerving! Be sure to book in advance, as these are very popular. Whether you're interested in history, horticulture, art, or a bit of spooky fun, Sausmarez Manor has something to offer. It's more than just a historic house; it's a living, breathing testament to Guernsey's past and a vibrant destination for visitors of all ages. The addition of family-friendly activities like the pitch and putt and miniature train makes it a great day out for everyone. Don't forget to enjoy a relaxing break at the lakeside tea room – the perfect way to round off your visit. Highly...

Visited at the end of the season (mainly to get the two Pokestops I hadn't got yet. Please Pokemon players respect that this is the actual home of Mr De Sausmarez, so don't intrude at random times! If you don't play Pokemon, your loss!) I mainly went to the cafe and a little walk on the paths that go past the pond and round the other way, where I saw some fantastic sculptures. (I loved the leopard on the wall, absolutely gorgeous and my favourite) It opens again in April, so I want to come back for a proper visit (and some cake in the cafe, it looked good!) Also there is a ride-on railway (for children possibly, they get all the fun!), ghost tours of the house, sculptures everywhere and probably lots of things I'm forgetting right now. There is a car park and a bus stop...

Beautiful house, we just missed the tour so didn't see inside but next time we'll definitely time our visit more carefully! The grounds are gorgeous, and we also paid to go around the sculpture trail which was interesting enough to keep my six year old entertained as well as being through some stunning sub-tropical gardens with some very interesting plants. We also visited the tea rooms and enjoyed a delicious cream tea. They also have a pitch and putt course which looks lovely (according to my husband!) and a gift shop which also sells some locally roasted coffee and herbal tea blends. In the summer, there's also a mini train that runs through the grounds. Well...