Barrington Court is undoubtedly one of my favourite National Trust properties. The building of the house began in 1538 and was completed in the late 1550’s. After damage by a fire in the early 19thc and then being left to become almost derelict, it was acquired by the NT in 1907. In the 1920’s the Tudor manor house was leased to Sir Arthur Lyle (of Tate & Lyle sugar fame) who renovated and restored it. Unusually for a NT property, the house now contains no furniture which really enables you to see the bare bones of the house in all its glory.
The Gertrude Jekyll influenced gardens are truly beautiful – a pleasure to visit at any time of the year. Old cow yards, pens and fields have been transformed into fabulous gardens. There are a series of coloured or variety themed ‘flower rooms’ – the white room, rose and iris gardens and lily garden. The colours and fragrance really do delight the senses. The stone walled kitchen garden is also fantastic, with many heritage varieties being grown. We especially love the espaliered fruit trees and the autumn gourds are amazing too. Sadly, I was only able to take a few photos on our most recent visit as my camera battery then died.
There are also some old farm buildings that are now host to various local craftspeople including some dear friends of ours who have a woodcarving workshop and gallery. Jozef is a very talented woodcarver and his wife is an artist. Between them they have stocked their gallery with a myriad of beautiful, affordable items that include many of Jozef’s original handcarved bowls and statues, carved mirrors, wooden hearts, candle holders, Slovakian jewellery, paintings and cards. Jozef has also completed some fantastic commissions of full size statues and amazingly intricate reliefs.
Beautiful wooden hearts and carved mirrors
Hand painted pendants
Original art
If you need more retail therapy the Muddy Dog company have a workshop next door selling the most gorgeous handmade bags and other delights in a wonderfully eclectic setting. Next door again there is a pottery which produces some beautiful pieces. The pottery also has a resident choc labrador with it's own blog!! And for all the crafters, there is a fabulously colourful and well stocked patchwork shop .
If you need to recharge your batteries, there is also a coffee shop and restaurant!
All in all, a really good day out.
4 comments:
That looks a great place to visit - thanks for sharing the photos. Your friends carving is wonderful too. Abby x
I love visiting National Trust properties, but have not been to many in the South. Looks like I have been missing out here, what a wonderful place! Cadbury the dog is adorable, and he can blog too... amazing! ;~) x
That's another place on my list of places to visit! The architecture looks amazing, and I love the sound of the garden 'rooms'. All that plus a bit of retail mooching - sounds perfect.
x
Hello:
It is many years ago now since we visited Barrington Court. We have little recollection of the house but have fond memories of the garden, which as you say, is compartmentalised into the most beautiful 'rooms'.
Our lasting impression was that it seemed to be somewhat overlooked as a place to visit and so we could wander without fear of the 'madding crowds', but perhaps we were just fortunate since it certainly is well worth a visit.
We have enjoyed ourselves looking through your previous posts and shall return for more.
Post a Comment