Stourhead

With only a few weeks before we leave for our annual trip to my beloved England,

 it's high time to make a start with the two Blog posts

 - I promised myself to write - of our trip last year.

One of them is about our wonderful visit to the beautiful estate Stourhead, 

 of which you can read more about its origins here.

 This was our first view when we entered this 'living work of art'.

Inspired by the work of 16th-century architect Palladio,

 this five-arched stone bridge was built in 1762.

 Although ornamental, the bridge was intended to look practical. 

It was designed to create an illusion that a river flows through the village and under the bridge.

Being there at Summer time there was so much variety of flowers.

Although we were there in high season, it seemed like it was just us and the birds.

The beautiful Temple of Apollo , nowadays often used as wedding venue.

The beautiful Pantheon across the lake designed by Henri Flitcroft
modelled by the original in Rome.

And its indoors.

The cascade was added in 1766 as a decorative way to carry surplus water
 from the main lake down to the lower pond in Turner’s Paddock.

In the distance the Temple of Flora, dedicated to the Roman goddess of flowers and spring.
 This temple was the first garden building erected by Henry Hoare II between 1744 and 1746.
 Over the doorway the Latin inscription reads ‘Keep away, anyone profane, keep away’.
 Henry asks you to enter his garden in the right spirit.

The Gothic Cottage, affectionately called the Watch Cottage, was Alda's
favourite place to write.

We had a lovely picnic at this spot, accompanied by all kind of wildlife.

Next stop was a visit to the impressive Family Home

The library with a gorgeous view through the window seat.

All around the house there were such friendly volunteers who happily told us the

 (family) story of the former residents, especially about the family room.

There was a lot of entertaining (as a lovely lady volunteer told us) in this room.

 Especially for the injured soldiers who returned from the war.

 The former residents had a soft spot regarding them because of their only son

 who died during the First World War.

Apart from all other art a lovely painting of Stonehenge

We concluded our day here with a visit to the walled garden of the house.

To have a greenhouse like this.

Serious shed envy.

My first ever photographed swallow.

It was such a lovely step back in time. Although it's quite some time ago,

 it brought back wonderful memories and can't wait to make some more.

Next post will be about Monk's House, much smaller but just as beautiful.

Hope you will join me again!

Anita

~xo~