Part One can be found here, from when we first went in January, with a little of the gardens and entrance hall, with a potted history of the place.
In May we returned, hoping to see bluebells. It was our second attempt at getting back there.
Hinton Ampner is our second nearest property.
Hinton Ampner is our second nearest property.
I was very intrigued to see the interior of the house, especially considering the fire in the sixties and how it was restored back to how it would have looked in the mid 1930's. That's a hint to what lies inside by the way by the way.
I must say, this house is right up there with Polesden Lacey for me, I loved it! It's not a teeny house at all, but it's small enough to be very comfortable. This room particularly, isn't it beautiful! I think it's the colours which really set it apart. It's grand, but oh so elegant, I can just imagine being curled up on a sofa in front of a fire, reading a book.
Many, many items in the house were made of blue john which is a type of fluorite.
Room two, which was more what I expect from stately homes, all the rich colours.
Dining room.
This extraordinarily art deco looking piece of furniture is in fact, Georgian.
Bathroom number one!
Art deco heaven.
Isn't it a beauty! One of the volunteers said that many people just don't like this room at all.
Why? I fell for it soon as peer through the door.
Look at the skylights!
The mirror and sink!
That little alcove off at the back is where the toilet is, with the best view of the gardens apparently!
That wallpaper!
The taps!
Shower!
Bedroom.
We were told at least four hands were responsible for the patchwork quilt on the bed.
Another bedroom
Another beauty of a bathroom.
Another bedroom, this was my favourite.
Oh look! Another bathroom!
Bizarre rabbits in a painting.
I think though, that they might be bizarre hares, considering there are tortoises also.
Oh hang on though, there are lions too, is this a depiction of Noah's Ark?
I wish I'd taken better notice now!
But if they are bunnies, surely this is what bunnies look like?
It's Bob!
I have a follow up post ready to go, featuring the beautiful gardens.
So, so pretty.
Touring historic homes I'm always dazzled by elaborate rugs and carpets. Those blue window treatments must have been spectacular in person. It does seem like a liveable place-not so fancy you'd be afraid to breathe.
ReplyDeleteMost of the rugs are cordoned off to protect them over here. Those blue curtains were incredible. I could have happily moved in, it was beautiful.
DeleteIt takes real skill to make such a grand house look so cosy and inviting but they did it! It looks absolutely gorgeous. That preety drawing room and the bamboo wallpaper in the bathroom and don't get me started on that patchwork quilt. I want it all!
ReplyDeleteHello, Bob! xxx
It was very cosy, I was very surprised. Each room had something I wanted in it, I should have just hidden myself away and emerged at night and really settled myself in! Squatters rights as they say ;) xxx
DeleteWhen visiting NT properties, I'm always trying to imagine what it would be like to live there. I love it when it looks cozy enough to curl up on the sofa with a good book. I prefer richly coloured rooms, though, like that second one. I'd never heard of "blue john" or even fluorite, but it looks spectacular. How incredible that that piece of furniture is Georgian. I would never ever have guessed it. I definitely love the Art Deco bathroom! I had a modest Art Deco bathroom in a rented flat back in the 1990s, and I'm still mourning for it! xxx
ReplyDeleteThis is the cosiest place so far. I have some fluorite, I made a hair comb with it, mine is very subtle though and almost see through. We were surprised by the Georgian piece too. Oh to have a deco bathroom, I would mourn it as well! xxx
DeleteThat first bathroom is superb. I'd make myself quite at home in the tub, I'd be ringing a service bell for a martini!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was beautiful! I wouldn't want to leave it!
DeleteWhy don't people like that bathroom!??!?! I would love one like that! SO pretty!
ReplyDeleteThis place is amazing!x
They're mad, that's why! It was absolutely beautiful xxx
DeleteThat is a lovely home - as you say, one it's possible to imagine actually living in.
ReplyDeleteIt's rare to find large pieces of blue john nowadays, isn't it? Those bits are spectacular.
Oh it was far too easy to imagine living in this one, and the gardens were stunning too. I'd never seen blue john in person, it's incredible up close.
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