Herbaceous Border and Shell House
In 1994 the five and a half acre field next to the old Pleasure garden began to be developed by Darina and Tim. From the gate a straight grass path leads towards the Shell House. This path is flanked by a double herbaceous border, 300 feet long. This was designed by Rachel Lamb and was planted in 1995 so it is still being developed and arranged. It will take several years to fill and reach Maturity but it already provides a splendid summer tapestry and is particularly stunning in July.
At the far end of the of the herbaceous border is a deceptively simple little building with a slate roof and gothic windows. When you enter it will take a moment for your eyes to adjust to the light, you then begin to realise that the exterior was indeed a deceptive, careful ploy. The walls, window sills and ceiling are encrusted with a myriad of shells. In the centre of the pebble studded floor is a circular pool of shallow clear water. This extraordinarily beautiful Shell house was Darina’s idea. A surprise present for Tim.
The shell house was begun by Blot Kerr-Wilson in July 1995 and completed on the 26th of October. The day before Darina and Tim celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. The shells that were used in the creation of this house came from many different sources. Darina had been collecting shells for many years with a vague idea of building a folly. Blot brought some shells with her and more were given as gifts when people heard about the project. Gazing upwards to the ceiling, you will notice how scallops and mussels, laid rank upon rank, increasing in size give the illusion of more light. Every shell used in the roof once encased a mussel or scallop that was consumed at Ballymaloe House or at the Ballymaloe Cookery School.
Many people wonder where the influences for the house came. Tim and Darina designed the building themselves. Tim wanted a very classical building with something completely different hidden inside to amaze and delight when you step across the threshold. Blots own inspiration for her design came from the time she spent at the Alhambra palace in Granada. Blot was a source of much interest and amazement to everyone as she began her work. She worked at night but was rarely alone. There was always someone around to watch in wonderment at the work that was progressing. She worked out the pattern in her head and then sketched the idea onto the wall with chalk. The shells were then cemented on.
If they liked the panel that had been completed. One visitor who came often to review the progress was Tim's father the late Ivan Allen. He gave Blot the inspiration to turn the window sills into seat because when he would come he would sit on the sills and from there he was able to admire the emerging patterns as they were created whilst he was seated. Take time to let your eyes feast on the many and varied patterns on the different walls. If you look carefully you will find Tim and Darina and their four children’s initials form part of the design. The shell house is truly amazing and will live on long in your memory after you leave it.
Opening Times
Gardens and Farm shop are open 7 days from 11am to 5.30pm.
Admission is €6 Adult, €3 child. Family Ticket available at €15.
Garden Membership is available for 2 Adults and 3 Children for €55 a year.
