Morton, Anglo-Saxon for 'by the water', was a hamlet on the edge of Brading Harbour, now reclaimed land. It is beleived the manor was built in 1249, on the existing site for the de Aula family, of Norman descent. Since then, it was structurally altered with the addition of a Tudor Longhouse, followed by major rebuilding in 1680. Although the house has changed ownership several times, generations past have added to Morton as a comfortable home. Refurbished in the Georgian period, at it's most elegant best, it remains with beautiful furnishings and fittings, whilst still retaining its charm as a family home to the current owners for 40 years.

Meanwhile, the gardens, considered by many to be the most beautiful on this 'Garden Isle', are a delightful blend of formalitity and informality. Spring dawns with a myriad of bulbs from February onwards. 40 years of hard work have made it possible o grow Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Caelias and Magnolias, and reward is provided by the amazing massed cresendo of flowers from March to June. As Summer arrives many varieties of Roses produce a riot of colour in the formal rose and Elizabethan Sunken Gardens. Along with the traditional herbaceous borders, they last well into Autumn when the huge collection of Japanese Acers go through 'traffic light' colour changes. We are also blessed with the many tender plants that thrive in our mild climate, and countless specimen trees, notably our Magnolia grandiflora and London Plane, both possibly the largest in Britain.

The 'English Wine Renaissance' came to Morton in 1981 with the addition of a vineyard. With the Island's higher sunshine hours and light intensity, our site can be considered one of the best in this country. We grow varieties of grapes most suitable to our climate, with the aim of producing the highest quality wines. Although white wine is our mainstay, we also produce rose, and quality red wine is on its way!

Winegrowing is an all year occupation, with winter pruning, weed and mildew control during the growing season, and the harvest normally in October. The development of the wine up to bottling is meticulously monitored during the winter, not to mention the pleasure of plenty of sampling!

During your visit to Morton the owners are always avalable to help with questions. We hope you will, as so many do, visit us again, and recommend us to your friends, since this very much helps us to preserve this beautiful pocket of tranquility.