On Sunday afternoon we set off to visit the grounds and gardens of Wrest Park (and to walk off our very nice lunch!).
The house and grounds are owned and managed by English Heritage and there is currently a twenty year long programme of renovation underway to restore the gardens to their original eighteenth and nineteenth century designs.
There was a great deal to see, from the restored Conservatory adjacent to the house to acres of woodland garden, water features and formal parterre with many classical marble statues.
At the end of a long gravel path and a reflecting pool is an important Baroque 'Tea House'..
The interior, on three levels divided by narrow spiral staircases, was very ornate.
Very little of the main house - dating from 1834 but built on the site of previous houses dating back more than a thousand years - is open to view. There are just a few restored rooms on the ground floor which hint at the opulence of the estate in its heyday.
A very interesting estate and one which merits further visits as the restoration of the garden and house progresses.
Your captured the feel of the place really well. Perhaps we can join you for another visit sometime.
ReplyDeleteYour captured the feel of the place really well. Perhaps we can join you for another visit sometime.
ReplyDelete