Meet The Team Behind Matfen Hall: Lee Campbell
- By Matfen Hall
- May 30, 2022
- Announcement
Bringing a wealth of experience in the art of horticulture to the team, Lee was thrilled to discover one of our best-kept secrets when he joined the team: Le Jardin Hollandaise. A secret walled garden set amid the beautiful Northumberland countryside. Lee works closely with our Landscape Designer to transform the space from a traditional Victorian garden into something contemporary, introducing over 4,000 new trees, shrubs and perennials. In this special edition of Tales From Our Estate, we speak to Lee about his role with us, including the unusual plants found across our 300 acre estate:
How long have you worked as a Gardener, and how did you get started?
My career began by pottering around my uncle’s gardening businesses at the age of 15. Hooked from day one, I fell in love with the outdoors and knew that a regular desk job wasn’t for me.
I spent ten years at Linden Hall before making the move to Matfen Hall four years ago.
My role here has changed a lot since then. More recently, I had the opportunity to work with a Landscape Designer to transform the Le Jardin Hollandaise from a traditional Victorian space to something new and contemporary.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day starts at 7.00 am when I arrive at Matfen Hall. There’s no such thing as a typical day when you’re a Gardener, everything you do is completely dictated by the weather.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Being outside and having the freedom and creativity to make the role my own. This has been made possible by the investment from the Walwick Estate Group.
Location-wise, it’s a Gardener’s heaven here! With over 300 acres of grounds to keep me busy, there’s never a dull day.
What’s one special memory you have of your time at Matfen Hall?
For me, two special memories jump to mind. Firstly, the day the deer statue arrived on the back of a waggon in the snow and secondly, the delivery of the cloud pines you can see in the turning circle.
Both of these have helped transform the hotel’s exterior into the iconic grand entrance it’s recognised for.
Can you tell us about some of the unusual plants on our grounds?
There are several unusual plants found hidden on the grounds at Matfen Hall. The Cornus Kousa Chinensis and Pinus Sylvestris (Cloud Pine) found in the turning circle, the Acer Griseum located deep in the Great Hall woodland, and the Rhus Typhina nestled away by the Matfen Chuch.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy spending time at the Matfen Hall Gym or in the pub with my partner.