Climbing hydrangea and old Abbey window at Mottisfont Abbey. The abbey was founded as an Augustinian priory in 1201. When Maud & Gilbert Russell purchased Mottisfont in 1934, the buildings were in a state of disrepair. They modernised the house and estate, and it became a place for extravagant house parties held for their literary and artistic friends. Mottisfont is now a National Trust property.