The Good Life France Magazine March/April 2015 | Page 24

The Exotic Garden of le Kestellic. is on the same bank of the Jaudy as Tréguier, a couple of miles down-stream near Plouguiel. In complete contrast to Kerdalo, there is no gentle grassland here. The manor-house and gardens cling to steep pink granite cliffs, making the gardening especially challenging, while rewarding the visitor with excellent views out over the river and surrounding countryside. The Jaudy is tidal and Le Kestellic looks its best at high tide. The gardens are south-facing and sheltered by woodland from cold winds, allowing even tender plants like cacti to flourish. This lovely spot became the home of the late Marquis Yan de Keroüartz in 1947. From 1967 onwards he began collecting rare plants here, including proteas, orchids and tree-ferns, as well as cacti. Perhaps he was inspired by Peter Wolkonsky’s ambitious projects across the water. The Marquis’s son, Gaël de Keroüartz, continues the tradition today, extending the collection along the sheer wooded slopes. You can wander through Mediterranean, temperate and humid zones, passing through tree-ferns and native woodland right down to water’s edge. The manor-house, covered in yellow rambling roses in summer, commands a stunning view up-stream to Tréguier and beyond.

Opan 15 April - 30 June: Monday & Wednesday 2pm- 5pm

1 -14 July & 16 August - 15 September: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 2-6pm 15 July - 15 August: Monday - Friday 2-6pm

And all year by appointment for groups. tel. 0033 (0)6 73 84 00 15

i

Kestellic