Milntown, the historic house and estate just outside Ramsey has always had an enchanting feel and now the faerey folk really have arrived. A room adjoining the main restaurant has been converted into a magical place for children and their parents to relax and enjoy their drinks, lunch or afternoon tea.
Manx faerey, fantasy and folklore illustrator Julia Ashby Smyth has been working with the Milntown Trust and has reproduced some of her stunning illustrations into lifesize images to adorn the walls. Images include a flower faerey on her way to the Fuchsia Flower Ball, one of the many gatherings of the year and a leaf surfing faerey who has just hoped onto an autumnal leaf.
Julia has also produced two brand new illustrations exclusively for Milntown; a faerey tree, hiding many little folk and a faerey fireplace keeping the folk warm as autumn sets in.
The last owner of Milntown Sir Clive Edwards left the Estate in Trust for “the benefit of the Manx people and visitors to the Isle of Man.” Since the formation of the Trust, the Milntown Trustees have undertaken a development programme to allow regular public access to the Estate. So far the programme has consisted of the construction of the car park and restaurant and opening the house and gardens.
This latest development has been initiated to encourage a few more little people to Milntown. Milntown Trustee Charles Guard said “ We are delighted that Julia has come on board with this project and her stunning illustrations really complement the mystical feel of the Milntown Estate and reflect the Island’s culture and heritage”.
The next event for the Island’s little people at Milntown will be a Hop Tu Naa Treasure Hunt in the Milntown Gardens which will run from the 26th October – 3rd November (except Tuesday).
The Milntown Restaurant is open daily (except Tuesdays) throughout the year 10am-5pm. The Milntown Gardens remain open until 3rd November.
With many thanks to David Silvester from The Colby Studio for the photographs of the Faeries.
For more information about events at Milntown please contact Vicky Crellin, Events and Fundraising Co-ordinator, milntownevents@manx.net or 07624 380888.
