Besides Cathedrals and Abbeys and Gardens, one of our passions in England is the "Country Houses" -- those large estates (now open to the public) that have been in the same family for generations and generations.
Tuesday, we visited . . .
Charlecote House
It has been the home to the Lucy family since the 12th century. Their stories are told throughout the house by their portraits, the objects they collected from around the world and the design influence they had on their house and parkland. Mary Elizabeth Lucy remodeled the house in Victorian times.
The gardens include a croquet lawn (one of the first in England)
And a formal parterre garden
But what I liked most was . . . . .
the dining room which was all set up for a formal Victorian dinner party!
With carafes of wine on the table, candles to be lit and each place immaculately set.
A finger bowl, a wine, a sherry and a champagne glass, silver cutlery and beautiful pink china plates.
And after dinner, as was the custom . . .
The ladies retired to the music room for music and ladies gossip. While the men
Retired to the Billiards Room for cigar and whisky and "man talk".
It's Thursday and although the table is not at Linderhof nor at Blue Row, it is a lovely table which I would like to share with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.
18 comments:
Martha, I think I'm enjoying your holiday as much as you are - well almost :-). What a fabulous trip you are having. I'm here everyday to check on your latest adventure. Have a great evening. Blessings...Mary
Oh, I had to come over and sigh...after I saw that "house." Just absolutely lovely! Thanks for taking us there.
Sherry
I love to tour old houses - to have a peek at the life of long ago. I like the idea of men and women just going their own ways for a bit after dinner - after all, there's always so much to talk about!
Ahh, you thought of us. Your trip is fabulous. I love the shots of the garden and also inside. The table is so grand. Loving every bit of your trip.
Oh Martha, this is just amazing. I am sooooooooooo enjoying each and every post that you are making while on your trip but I confess, this is my favorite. That silver centerpiece is just gorgeous. And I love the plates as well. I am so very envious of your trip.
Carolyn
Another enjoyable day in England! Martha, you are certainly choosing some wonderful places to visit.
I'm trying to get a couple of dates from Hubby to offer to meet up - the trouble is there's such a lot going on at the weekends with family and the clubs we are involved with. I'm afraid I'm not adventurous enough to stray far on my own, I haven't got the best sense of direction!
In the meantime hope you continue to have a lovely time :o)
Thank you for taking us with you on your trip to England! I'd take that table any day...but it would take up my whole house.
Keep enjoying and sharing!!!
Thanks again!
Tess
Charlecote House is gorgeous - I love the facade and the parterre garden. Your photos are lovely.
Martha....I love all your posts about England. I feel like I'm travelling with you.
I've been over a few times and each time I can't get enough of England especialy those old houses.
Thanks for sharing...:-)
Serendipity! I am so thrilled to see these pictures. I've just been reading some of the books about Charlecote, some by Brian Fairfax-Lucy (children of Charlecote) and at least one by his wife Alice Fairfax-Lucy who was the daughter of John Buchan of Thirty-Nine Steps fame (among other things). Your pictures do not disappoint! How beautiful they are.
I am green with envy, I would love to visit the Cotswold area.
iLOVE THE YELLOW WALLS WITH WHAT LOOKS LIKE FUSHIA COVERED FURNITURE. tHAT IS THE WAY I UNDERSTOOD ENGLISH STYLE TO BE.
Lovely. I like the table all set also. Did you take more pictures? lol
AT
Oh what a lovely table with pink dishes! I love the beautiful estate house and garden!
You are certainly finding some superb places to visit.
I absolutely love England.....your Victorian table was so pretty! England has some of the best gardens. What a beautiful place to visit. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings My Friend,
Martha,
That table was a dream from the past. As a child, I would dream of being a princess and living in a fine mansion! Beautiful pink dinnerware and the pink dots on the stemware and fingerbowl...simply divine! Thank you for sharing!
Fondly,
Pat
I share your enjoyment of visiting homes from the past and seeing them filled with things of the period they represent. Can't you just imagine the life!
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