Across The Pond - Chatsworth

July 12, 2012
(sorry for the delay in blogging. My computer has been in the shop for a couple of weeks)

Chatsworth - Home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire (Peak District)

When coming across the pond to the United Kingdom, one simply cannot leave here without visiting at least one castle, palace, manor house, royal garden or pub. The choices are endless and there is one around nearly every corner. One of the most beautiful Manor Houses in the Peak District is Chatsworth House. Chatsworth is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. The house architecture and collection have been evolving for five centuries. Go here to find out more about the Manor: http://www.chatsworth.org/

This is the third time we have been to the manor house as we seem to take everyone we bring here who has never seen it. We didn't go inside this time, so there are no photos of the extensive art collection and the FABULOUS state rooms, galleries, etc.. There are over 30 rooms open to the public. Go to the link above to learn more about what is inside.

Here is a little photo tour of the grounds/gardens around the house:

The gardens (over 105 acres) have many beautiful stone sculptures and statues, many from the last two centuries. Wouldn't it be cool to be this maiden looking out over this outstanding view every day?

A lupine garden

I think this is a red cedar tree. A magnificent specimen.

The Cascade Waterfall

Sister Alex and dad sitting on a hedge sofa. ouch! :o)

Here is a FABULOUS organic sculpture made from willow branches. The artist, Ellen Bacon, has a number of them around the garden grounds. All woven on site and one of a kind. Go here to learn more about Ellen Bacon:  http://www.lauraellenbacon.com/   and here: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mADegLs91tQ

This really beautiful vista including the church spire can be seen from the Cascade Waterfall.

Nice Ass! :o)

I love the contrast in this photo. The very rigid and defined hedge installation and then the very random and organic bent wood fence made out of tree branches. I will try to make one of these fences at our house back home.

We can't forget this photo of busts of dead people......the old dukes, lords and ladies from the last 16 generations that adorn the top of the entrance arches to the manor.

My favorite sign from the manor grounds. So, it means go REALLY, REALLY, REALLY slow and honk your horn (not show your hooters) when you go through the archway. :o)

All of that walking around the gardens at Chatsworth made us just famished, so we stopped at the Chatsworth Farm shop (just down the road from the Manor House) and picked up some wonderful traditional English pies for dinner. From top left to right........Scotch Eggs, Pork & Stilton Pie (YUM!), Salmon Mousse, Mixed Game & Blackcurrant Pie (Yum again!), Lamb Samosa (Heaven!), Ham Slices, and the pot of red things are pickled sweet peppers stuffed with cheese. Good thing we walked all day!

Next stop........Northern Ireland. Can't wait to share the extreme beauty and wonder from the land of Leprechauns.......Stay tuned........