Woodland, River and Gardens

The gardens at Avenel are simply stunning. They are the product of one man's enthusiasm and passion for plants. Wallace Forrester acquired the estate in 1962 and began a programme of planting specimen trees and shrubs which now give year round delight - from the luxuriant flowers of rhododendrons and azaleas in spring to the rich green of Scots pine, Douglas fir and holly in winter. In May, the woodland is carpeted with bluebells.

Wallace Forrester died in 2001. His family, anxious to preserve the structure and elegance of the garden in which they had the privilege to grow up, decided to engage a professional team and undertake the development themselves. Their father's inspiration and now his legacy is the new Avenel.

The estate has been divided into generously-sized plots from just over half an acre to in excess of one acre. Each house has been very carefully positioned to ensure extensive screening by trees and natural contours from its neighbours. Southern and westerly exposures maximise the light and sun flooding into each house.

Access to each house on the Avenel Estate is from Knockbuckle Lane, which serves only the Avenel homes and four existing properties. All owners have full and exclusive ownership of the house and land contained within the boundaries of their plot. Gryffe Wood and certain internal access roadways within the estate are in the common ownership of all of the new Avenel homes.

On buying their new home, owners become bound by a Deed of Conditions which controls for the benefit of all owners the management and future development of the estate. Under the terms of the Deed of Conditions, each owner becomes a member of the Avenel Estate Owners' Association.