Christina here. Have you ever fallen completely and utterly in love … with a house? I have to admit I do this quite frequently. I love old houses, and usually the ones that appeal to me the most are grand aristocratic mansions, but more modest buildings that are quirky in some way also fascinate me. Whatever the type of building, me falling in love with it often leads to inspiration for a story, which is great and just what an author needs. My current “crush” is Tyntesfield, a Victorian Gothic Revival mansion near Bristol here in the UK. It’s a truly spectacular place and absolutely perfect as the setting for a timeslip novel!
I’ve had a thing about Gothic architecture ever since the first time I saw a building in that style, and although I have no idea why, it appeals to me like nothing else. Maybe it’s the over-the-top decorations, carvings and gargoyles, or the pointy window and door arches? Or just the sheer extravagance and exuberance that seems to have gone into creating these buildings. Whatever it is, I want one! And I don’t just want a tiny cottage in the Gothic style, I dream of a huge stately home like Tyntesfield, complete with landscaped grounds and a walled garden. Obviously I can’t have one, as I’m not a billionaire, so I make do with the next best thing – using it as the basis for an imaginary house in one of my stories. And since my heroine will be living there, so will I, vicariously.
I first became aware of Tyntesfield back in 2002, when the owner Lord Wraxall had died and the house came up for sale. No one had heard of it before, but the press talked about a hidden Victorian gem, a sort of time-capsule where time had stood still. Nothing in the house had been touched for decades and everything survived intact. Lord Wraxall had lived there virtually alone, but kept it all in good order. It sounded absolutely magical and, of course, everyone wanted to see it! There was a slight problem though – his lordship hadn’t left it to the nation as some owners do. Instead the estate was to be sold and the proceeds divided between 19 heirs, so of course they wanted as much money for it as possible, and there was some doubt that the National Trust could come up with such a sum. Bidding against them, it was rumoured, was the Australian singer Kylie Minogue who could well afford it!
Luckily, after appeals for help from various quarters, the Trust managed to scrape together the sum needed and bought it in the end. And then began the huge task of going through everything in the house and making it ready to be opened to the public. This was apparently a massive job as the contents hadn’t been touched for years, and I believe the work is still ongoing behind the scenes.
Years went by and I never forgot about this house, but I didn’t manage to visit until recently when I knew I’d be passing by on my way home from somewhere else and decided to stop. And oh, was I glad I did! That spark of inspiration which every author hopes for struck me immediately and that’s a great feeling.
The main house is situated in a Somerset valley and there used to be five different gates to the estate, all with lodges for the gatekeepers. These days, when you arrive, you first come to what used to be the Home Farm. From there, you can either take a shuttle bus up to the main entrance of the house or you can walk up to it through the grounds – I chose the latter. There was hardly anyone there and as I walked through the parkland, I could imagine myself slipping back in time to the house’s heyday. It takes a while before you reach it, but then you suddenly turn a corner and there it is, in all its glory. It quite took my breath away and I felt a bit like the prince in Sleeping Beauty, coming upon a slumbering mansion!
I was approaching it from behind and had to go round to the front to enter, but both sides are stunning and I fell even more love, the closer I got. Built out of two different types of golden Bath stone, there is no particular symmetry to the building – it has odd little turrets, bays and spires wherever the architect felt like adding them – but that’s part of the charm. The front entrance is built to resemble a monastic cloister and you go through it into a spacious inner hall lit by a roof light. Here’s how I imagine my heroine feels as she arrives at the house:-
The first time I walked into my gilded cage I was actually pleasantly surprised. A long, tiled hallway in the Gothic style, almost like a cloister in a particularly rich monastery, led into a large hallway topped by a glass dome. Pale sunshine was pouring down onto a magnificent staircase, making the eyes in the portraits that lined the walls gleam as though they were watching me. And perhaps they were. No doubt they were also laughing at me – I had just been stupid enough to save their home by sacrificing myself …
The hall is an enormous space, with windows all around the top which give lots of light. A graceful staircase rises to the first floor, with intricate ironwork balustrading that edges the stairs and upper balcony. It is exquisite, but as nothing compared to the fireplace which is a work of art in itself. I think we can safely say it is a bit OTT!
Of the rooms leading off the hall, the Library is exactly as a proper one should be – with shelf after shelf of leather-bound tomes, a vaulted ceiling that gives it an airy and medieval feel, and a deep sofa just made for sinking into with a book on a rainy day.
A most amazing carved stone doorway leads into the elegant Dining Room and I imagined myself at a formal dinner there, with candle light illuminating the gilded wallpaper. There are smaller rooms – the Oak Room, the Morning Room and the Ante Room – the mere names of which give you a feeling of times gone by, and then there is the Drawing Room. Enormous and quite stunning, with windows overlooking the garden, this was clearly the most formal of all the reception rooms. Originally it had a vast Gothic fireplace with an overmantel mirror, but this was replaced by a slightly smaller one in the early 20th century. (In my story, I will of course retain the Gothic one).
At the back of the house is a large billiard room with the heads of moose and deer all around the walls. Standing in there, I could almost hear the balls clicking against the table on a dark winter’s evening when there was nothing else to do. I doubt they would have let me play though as the one and only time I tried my hand at pool I made a tear in the green baize cover … oops!
There are apparently 43 bedrooms, although of course visitors only get to see a fraction of those, but the ones I saw were lovely. Interestingly, the National Trust had left one of them exactly as they’d found them all – completely crammed with furniture and other items to the point where you could barely get in – and you could really see what an incredibly hard job they must have had sorting it all out. I itched to start sifting through it to see what treasures might be unearthed but that’s a privilege I’ll leave for the present-day heroine in my story.
The house was originally smaller and quite different, but remodelling work was completed in 1865. Despite its glorious looks, the building is actually based on something much more mundane – guano, or bird droppings. The first owner (or rather the man who bought the building and had it completely redone) was William Gibbs, who made his fortune importing guano into the country to be used as fertiliser. It must have been a very lucrative business as according to the guide book he was the “richest commoner in England” in the mid-19th century. Tyntesfield even has its own chapel, which was fit for a king with magnificent stained-glass windows and a vaulted roof high above. My heroine will be married there, and I imagine she’ll be impressed even though she doesn’t really want to be there at all …
I have to say, I was extremely pleased Ms Minogue didn’t manage to buy this house because then I would never have seen it! How about you – have you ever fallen in love with a house? Please tell me about your favourites – I might have to visit them next!
I really enjoyed this post! Thanks for sharing the pictures of your visit to Tyntesfield! I have visited the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, here in the US. The gardens are beautiful, the interior is so grand with furnishings from all over the world. It has been years since I’ve last visited that I only have print photos.
I really enjoyed this post! Thanks for sharing the pictures of your visit to Tyntesfield! I have visited the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, here in the US. The gardens are beautiful, the interior is so grand with furnishings from all over the world. It has been years since I’ve last visited that I only have print photos.
I really enjoyed this post! Thanks for sharing the pictures of your visit to Tyntesfield! I have visited the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, here in the US. The gardens are beautiful, the interior is so grand with furnishings from all over the world. It has been years since I’ve last visited that I only have print photos.
I really enjoyed this post! Thanks for sharing the pictures of your visit to Tyntesfield! I have visited the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, here in the US. The gardens are beautiful, the interior is so grand with furnishings from all over the world. It has been years since I’ve last visited that I only have print photos.
I really enjoyed this post! Thanks for sharing the pictures of your visit to Tyntesfield! I have visited the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, here in the US. The gardens are beautiful, the interior is so grand with furnishings from all over the world. It has been years since I’ve last visited that I only have print photos.
Oh wow, Maryellen, I checked out their website and that looks like my kind of house! Even grander than Tyntesfield, just beautiful! Next time I visit the States I must try and go there. Thank you for telling me about it and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Oh wow, Maryellen, I checked out their website and that looks like my kind of house! Even grander than Tyntesfield, just beautiful! Next time I visit the States I must try and go there. Thank you for telling me about it and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Oh wow, Maryellen, I checked out their website and that looks like my kind of house! Even grander than Tyntesfield, just beautiful! Next time I visit the States I must try and go there. Thank you for telling me about it and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Oh wow, Maryellen, I checked out their website and that looks like my kind of house! Even grander than Tyntesfield, just beautiful! Next time I visit the States I must try and go there. Thank you for telling me about it and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Oh wow, Maryellen, I checked out their website and that looks like my kind of house! Even grander than Tyntesfield, just beautiful! Next time I visit the States I must try and go there. Thank you for telling me about it and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
I don’t think I’ve ever fallen head over heels in love with a house the way you have, Christina, but there are some I greatly admire. For instance, Olana, the artist Frederic Church’s home on the Hudson River, and the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York, which is in Andrew Carnegie’s former mansion.
I am more the type to fall in love with gardens than houses!
I don’t think I’ve ever fallen head over heels in love with a house the way you have, Christina, but there are some I greatly admire. For instance, Olana, the artist Frederic Church’s home on the Hudson River, and the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York, which is in Andrew Carnegie’s former mansion.
I am more the type to fall in love with gardens than houses!
I don’t think I’ve ever fallen head over heels in love with a house the way you have, Christina, but there are some I greatly admire. For instance, Olana, the artist Frederic Church’s home on the Hudson River, and the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York, which is in Andrew Carnegie’s former mansion.
I am more the type to fall in love with gardens than houses!
I don’t think I’ve ever fallen head over heels in love with a house the way you have, Christina, but there are some I greatly admire. For instance, Olana, the artist Frederic Church’s home on the Hudson River, and the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York, which is in Andrew Carnegie’s former mansion.
I am more the type to fall in love with gardens than houses!
I don’t think I’ve ever fallen head over heels in love with a house the way you have, Christina, but there are some I greatly admire. For instance, Olana, the artist Frederic Church’s home on the Hudson River, and the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York, which is in Andrew Carnegie’s former mansion.
I am more the type to fall in love with gardens than houses!
Christina, what a FABULOUS house and blog! I’d love to visit. To bad it’s not a hotel where we could hold a Wench Retreat. *G*
Christina, what a FABULOUS house and blog! I’d love to visit. To bad it’s not a hotel where we could hold a Wench Retreat. *G*
Christina, what a FABULOUS house and blog! I’d love to visit. To bad it’s not a hotel where we could hold a Wench Retreat. *G*
Christina, what a FABULOUS house and blog! I’d love to visit. To bad it’s not a hotel where we could hold a Wench Retreat. *G*
Christina, what a FABULOUS house and blog! I’d love to visit. To bad it’s not a hotel where we could hold a Wench Retreat. *G*
Olana looks amazing, Karin – just the roof is fantastic! I’ll definitely put that on my list of places I want to see. And the Cooper-Hewitt museum sounds like an interesting place too. Thank you! If you love gardens, you’d probaly like The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. And I recently visited the gardens of Hampton Court Castle (not the one near London but a house with almost the same name). They have the most wonderful maze!
Olana looks amazing, Karin – just the roof is fantastic! I’ll definitely put that on my list of places I want to see. And the Cooper-Hewitt museum sounds like an interesting place too. Thank you! If you love gardens, you’d probaly like The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. And I recently visited the gardens of Hampton Court Castle (not the one near London but a house with almost the same name). They have the most wonderful maze!
Olana looks amazing, Karin – just the roof is fantastic! I’ll definitely put that on my list of places I want to see. And the Cooper-Hewitt museum sounds like an interesting place too. Thank you! If you love gardens, you’d probaly like The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. And I recently visited the gardens of Hampton Court Castle (not the one near London but a house with almost the same name). They have the most wonderful maze!
Olana looks amazing, Karin – just the roof is fantastic! I’ll definitely put that on my list of places I want to see. And the Cooper-Hewitt museum sounds like an interesting place too. Thank you! If you love gardens, you’d probaly like The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. And I recently visited the gardens of Hampton Court Castle (not the one near London but a house with almost the same name). They have the most wonderful maze!
Olana looks amazing, Karin – just the roof is fantastic! I’ll definitely put that on my list of places I want to see. And the Cooper-Hewitt museum sounds like an interesting place too. Thank you! If you love gardens, you’d probaly like The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. And I recently visited the gardens of Hampton Court Castle (not the one near London but a house with almost the same name). They have the most wonderful maze!
Thank you – wouldn’t that be wonderful! I’m sure we’d all be inspired to write some great stories!
Thank you – wouldn’t that be wonderful! I’m sure we’d all be inspired to write some great stories!
Thank you – wouldn’t that be wonderful! I’m sure we’d all be inspired to write some great stories!
Thank you – wouldn’t that be wonderful! I’m sure we’d all be inspired to write some great stories!
Thank you – wouldn’t that be wonderful! I’m sure we’d all be inspired to write some great stories!
First, let me thank you for the post and the wonderful pictures. This house sounds like a treasure from beginning to end. I am glad your National Trust saved it for you to see.
Yes, I have fallen in love with several different houses.
There was one which makes me sound a little weird.
The late comedian Lou Costello (yes “Who’s On First”)built a home for his mother. It was built in the 1930’s. I saw a tour of it on some home remodeling show on television years ago. It was light and airy and lovely. Nothing elaborate, but quite comfy looking. Large windows and just a general sense of being home. I realized that the period of the home was something that was very attractive to me.
There was also a home that Mr Wonderful and I bought in a very small town. It was about 100 years old when we moved in. In one room with 4 doors and 4 large windows none of the frames of the doors or windows were the same size. The original owner had built it himself. It was charming and wonderful.
We did a great deal of decorating and redoing – insulated everything. Painted and did a wee bit of updating. But, we kept the amazing paper in the living room. The kitchen was tiny so we got a huge Hoosier cabinet to add to the storage (I still have it.)
It was nothing like the house Lou Costello built for his mother, but I loved it very much. Unfortunately, we had to move because of Mr Wonderful’s work.
I recently saw online that the most recent owner had redone it all inside for sale. It is now grey and beige and has all the character and charm of a rock.
Thanks again for this post. I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
First, let me thank you for the post and the wonderful pictures. This house sounds like a treasure from beginning to end. I am glad your National Trust saved it for you to see.
Yes, I have fallen in love with several different houses.
There was one which makes me sound a little weird.
The late comedian Lou Costello (yes “Who’s On First”)built a home for his mother. It was built in the 1930’s. I saw a tour of it on some home remodeling show on television years ago. It was light and airy and lovely. Nothing elaborate, but quite comfy looking. Large windows and just a general sense of being home. I realized that the period of the home was something that was very attractive to me.
There was also a home that Mr Wonderful and I bought in a very small town. It was about 100 years old when we moved in. In one room with 4 doors and 4 large windows none of the frames of the doors or windows were the same size. The original owner had built it himself. It was charming and wonderful.
We did a great deal of decorating and redoing – insulated everything. Painted and did a wee bit of updating. But, we kept the amazing paper in the living room. The kitchen was tiny so we got a huge Hoosier cabinet to add to the storage (I still have it.)
It was nothing like the house Lou Costello built for his mother, but I loved it very much. Unfortunately, we had to move because of Mr Wonderful’s work.
I recently saw online that the most recent owner had redone it all inside for sale. It is now grey and beige and has all the character and charm of a rock.
Thanks again for this post. I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
First, let me thank you for the post and the wonderful pictures. This house sounds like a treasure from beginning to end. I am glad your National Trust saved it for you to see.
Yes, I have fallen in love with several different houses.
There was one which makes me sound a little weird.
The late comedian Lou Costello (yes “Who’s On First”)built a home for his mother. It was built in the 1930’s. I saw a tour of it on some home remodeling show on television years ago. It was light and airy and lovely. Nothing elaborate, but quite comfy looking. Large windows and just a general sense of being home. I realized that the period of the home was something that was very attractive to me.
There was also a home that Mr Wonderful and I bought in a very small town. It was about 100 years old when we moved in. In one room with 4 doors and 4 large windows none of the frames of the doors or windows were the same size. The original owner had built it himself. It was charming and wonderful.
We did a great deal of decorating and redoing – insulated everything. Painted and did a wee bit of updating. But, we kept the amazing paper in the living room. The kitchen was tiny so we got a huge Hoosier cabinet to add to the storage (I still have it.)
It was nothing like the house Lou Costello built for his mother, but I loved it very much. Unfortunately, we had to move because of Mr Wonderful’s work.
I recently saw online that the most recent owner had redone it all inside for sale. It is now grey and beige and has all the character and charm of a rock.
Thanks again for this post. I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
First, let me thank you for the post and the wonderful pictures. This house sounds like a treasure from beginning to end. I am glad your National Trust saved it for you to see.
Yes, I have fallen in love with several different houses.
There was one which makes me sound a little weird.
The late comedian Lou Costello (yes “Who’s On First”)built a home for his mother. It was built in the 1930’s. I saw a tour of it on some home remodeling show on television years ago. It was light and airy and lovely. Nothing elaborate, but quite comfy looking. Large windows and just a general sense of being home. I realized that the period of the home was something that was very attractive to me.
There was also a home that Mr Wonderful and I bought in a very small town. It was about 100 years old when we moved in. In one room with 4 doors and 4 large windows none of the frames of the doors or windows were the same size. The original owner had built it himself. It was charming and wonderful.
We did a great deal of decorating and redoing – insulated everything. Painted and did a wee bit of updating. But, we kept the amazing paper in the living room. The kitchen was tiny so we got a huge Hoosier cabinet to add to the storage (I still have it.)
It was nothing like the house Lou Costello built for his mother, but I loved it very much. Unfortunately, we had to move because of Mr Wonderful’s work.
I recently saw online that the most recent owner had redone it all inside for sale. It is now grey and beige and has all the character and charm of a rock.
Thanks again for this post. I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
First, let me thank you for the post and the wonderful pictures. This house sounds like a treasure from beginning to end. I am glad your National Trust saved it for you to see.
Yes, I have fallen in love with several different houses.
There was one which makes me sound a little weird.
The late comedian Lou Costello (yes “Who’s On First”)built a home for his mother. It was built in the 1930’s. I saw a tour of it on some home remodeling show on television years ago. It was light and airy and lovely. Nothing elaborate, but quite comfy looking. Large windows and just a general sense of being home. I realized that the period of the home was something that was very attractive to me.
There was also a home that Mr Wonderful and I bought in a very small town. It was about 100 years old when we moved in. In one room with 4 doors and 4 large windows none of the frames of the doors or windows were the same size. The original owner had built it himself. It was charming and wonderful.
We did a great deal of decorating and redoing – insulated everything. Painted and did a wee bit of updating. But, we kept the amazing paper in the living room. The kitchen was tiny so we got a huge Hoosier cabinet to add to the storage (I still have it.)
It was nothing like the house Lou Costello built for his mother, but I loved it very much. Unfortunately, we had to move because of Mr Wonderful’s work.
I recently saw online that the most recent owner had redone it all inside for sale. It is now grey and beige and has all the character and charm of a rock.
Thanks again for this post. I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
I love the sound of your home before the present owner ruined it, Annette! Older houses have such charm and the fact that nothing is the same or the angles aren’t even straight sometimes just makes them more quirky. I would always opt for an older home if at all possible even if they might be draughty and difficult to heat 🙂 And Mr Costello obviously put a lot of love and care into building a home for his mother – how wonderful!
I love the sound of your home before the present owner ruined it, Annette! Older houses have such charm and the fact that nothing is the same or the angles aren’t even straight sometimes just makes them more quirky. I would always opt for an older home if at all possible even if they might be draughty and difficult to heat 🙂 And Mr Costello obviously put a lot of love and care into building a home for his mother – how wonderful!
I love the sound of your home before the present owner ruined it, Annette! Older houses have such charm and the fact that nothing is the same or the angles aren’t even straight sometimes just makes them more quirky. I would always opt for an older home if at all possible even if they might be draughty and difficult to heat 🙂 And Mr Costello obviously put a lot of love and care into building a home for his mother – how wonderful!
I love the sound of your home before the present owner ruined it, Annette! Older houses have such charm and the fact that nothing is the same or the angles aren’t even straight sometimes just makes them more quirky. I would always opt for an older home if at all possible even if they might be draughty and difficult to heat 🙂 And Mr Costello obviously put a lot of love and care into building a home for his mother – how wonderful!
I love the sound of your home before the present owner ruined it, Annette! Older houses have such charm and the fact that nothing is the same or the angles aren’t even straight sometimes just makes them more quirky. I would always opt for an older home if at all possible even if they might be draughty and difficult to heat 🙂 And Mr Costello obviously put a lot of love and care into building a home for his mother – how wonderful!
What a fascinating post, Christina! Thank you. I can’t say that I’ve ever fallen in love with a building, but I have enjoyed visiting a few. Hearst Castle (designed by Julia Morgan) was a fun place to visit in California as were some of the “cottages” owned by wealthy industrialists in Newport, Rhode Island.
What a fascinating post, Christina! Thank you. I can’t say that I’ve ever fallen in love with a building, but I have enjoyed visiting a few. Hearst Castle (designed by Julia Morgan) was a fun place to visit in California as were some of the “cottages” owned by wealthy industrialists in Newport, Rhode Island.
What a fascinating post, Christina! Thank you. I can’t say that I’ve ever fallen in love with a building, but I have enjoyed visiting a few. Hearst Castle (designed by Julia Morgan) was a fun place to visit in California as were some of the “cottages” owned by wealthy industrialists in Newport, Rhode Island.
What a fascinating post, Christina! Thank you. I can’t say that I’ve ever fallen in love with a building, but I have enjoyed visiting a few. Hearst Castle (designed by Julia Morgan) was a fun place to visit in California as were some of the “cottages” owned by wealthy industrialists in Newport, Rhode Island.
What a fascinating post, Christina! Thank you. I can’t say that I’ve ever fallen in love with a building, but I have enjoyed visiting a few. Hearst Castle (designed by Julia Morgan) was a fun place to visit in California as were some of the “cottages” owned by wealthy industrialists in Newport, Rhode Island.
Thank you, Kareni, so glad you enjoyed it! Hearst Castle looks wonderful, another one for my bucket list. And I think I’ve heard about those amazing properties in Newport – I’m going to have to go there too at some point. I guess I’ll be doing a lot of travelling once lockdown is over 🙂
Thank you, Kareni, so glad you enjoyed it! Hearst Castle looks wonderful, another one for my bucket list. And I think I’ve heard about those amazing properties in Newport – I’m going to have to go there too at some point. I guess I’ll be doing a lot of travelling once lockdown is over 🙂
Thank you, Kareni, so glad you enjoyed it! Hearst Castle looks wonderful, another one for my bucket list. And I think I’ve heard about those amazing properties in Newport – I’m going to have to go there too at some point. I guess I’ll be doing a lot of travelling once lockdown is over 🙂
Thank you, Kareni, so glad you enjoyed it! Hearst Castle looks wonderful, another one for my bucket list. And I think I’ve heard about those amazing properties in Newport – I’m going to have to go there too at some point. I guess I’ll be doing a lot of travelling once lockdown is over 🙂
Thank you, Kareni, so glad you enjoyed it! Hearst Castle looks wonderful, another one for my bucket list. And I think I’ve heard about those amazing properties in Newport – I’m going to have to go there too at some point. I guess I’ll be doing a lot of travelling once lockdown is over 🙂
Wonderful, enjoyable post! I LOVE old houses and stately manors and castles. We have quite a few here in Ireland and when the children were small and the budget smaller, we used to go on self catering holidays around the country. I lost count of the places we visited but one that stuck in my mind and we went to a few times, was Bunratty Castle. It has an old folk village attached where life is depicted as it was when the castle was in use. It’s a fabulous place and I hope to visit it again one day.
Wonderful, enjoyable post! I LOVE old houses and stately manors and castles. We have quite a few here in Ireland and when the children were small and the budget smaller, we used to go on self catering holidays around the country. I lost count of the places we visited but one that stuck in my mind and we went to a few times, was Bunratty Castle. It has an old folk village attached where life is depicted as it was when the castle was in use. It’s a fabulous place and I hope to visit it again one day.
Wonderful, enjoyable post! I LOVE old houses and stately manors and castles. We have quite a few here in Ireland and when the children were small and the budget smaller, we used to go on self catering holidays around the country. I lost count of the places we visited but one that stuck in my mind and we went to a few times, was Bunratty Castle. It has an old folk village attached where life is depicted as it was when the castle was in use. It’s a fabulous place and I hope to visit it again one day.
Wonderful, enjoyable post! I LOVE old houses and stately manors and castles. We have quite a few here in Ireland and when the children were small and the budget smaller, we used to go on self catering holidays around the country. I lost count of the places we visited but one that stuck in my mind and we went to a few times, was Bunratty Castle. It has an old folk village attached where life is depicted as it was when the castle was in use. It’s a fabulous place and I hope to visit it again one day.
Wonderful, enjoyable post! I LOVE old houses and stately manors and castles. We have quite a few here in Ireland and when the children were small and the budget smaller, we used to go on self catering holidays around the country. I lost count of the places we visited but one that stuck in my mind and we went to a few times, was Bunratty Castle. It has an old folk village attached where life is depicted as it was when the castle was in use. It’s a fabulous place and I hope to visit it again one day.
Thank you, Teresa! Bunratty sounds like just the sort of place that would be the perfect setting for a timeslip story. Having a folk village on site is a bonus – that’s just the kind of thing I look for when I’m doing research for stories as it helps with visualising the past. Ireland is on my bucket list and now I definitely want to see Bunratty Castle! (Love the name too).
Thank you, Teresa! Bunratty sounds like just the sort of place that would be the perfect setting for a timeslip story. Having a folk village on site is a bonus – that’s just the kind of thing I look for when I’m doing research for stories as it helps with visualising the past. Ireland is on my bucket list and now I definitely want to see Bunratty Castle! (Love the name too).
Thank you, Teresa! Bunratty sounds like just the sort of place that would be the perfect setting for a timeslip story. Having a folk village on site is a bonus – that’s just the kind of thing I look for when I’m doing research for stories as it helps with visualising the past. Ireland is on my bucket list and now I definitely want to see Bunratty Castle! (Love the name too).
Thank you, Teresa! Bunratty sounds like just the sort of place that would be the perfect setting for a timeslip story. Having a folk village on site is a bonus – that’s just the kind of thing I look for when I’m doing research for stories as it helps with visualising the past. Ireland is on my bucket list and now I definitely want to see Bunratty Castle! (Love the name too).
Thank you, Teresa! Bunratty sounds like just the sort of place that would be the perfect setting for a timeslip story. Having a folk village on site is a bonus – that’s just the kind of thing I look for when I’m doing research for stories as it helps with visualising the past. Ireland is on my bucket list and now I definitely want to see Bunratty Castle! (Love the name too).
Writing? Nah, I bet we’d be happily poking around that gorgeous house, finding all sorts of wonderful corners, and then grabbing others to “come and look at this!” And when we weren’t, we’d be talking. *g*
Writing? Nah, I bet we’d be happily poking around that gorgeous house, finding all sorts of wonderful corners, and then grabbing others to “come and look at this!” And when we weren’t, we’d be talking. *g*
Writing? Nah, I bet we’d be happily poking around that gorgeous house, finding all sorts of wonderful corners, and then grabbing others to “come and look at this!” And when we weren’t, we’d be talking. *g*
Writing? Nah, I bet we’d be happily poking around that gorgeous house, finding all sorts of wonderful corners, and then grabbing others to “come and look at this!” And when we weren’t, we’d be talking. *g*
Writing? Nah, I bet we’d be happily poking around that gorgeous house, finding all sorts of wonderful corners, and then grabbing others to “come and look at this!” And when we weren’t, we’d be talking. *g*
Lovely post, Christina. I envy you and Nicola the ability to visit all these beautiful old places. We have some lovely houses in Australia — and you can see some of them in the Miss Fisher TV series and film — but none of them is old enough to use for my research. The exception is “Captain Cook’s Cottage” which is a reassembled cottage owned by Captain Cook’s parents, and sits in the middle of some public gardens in Melbourne. I was able to use it for a novella, but it’s tiny and rather cramped. Gives you a good idea of how the ordinary people lived though.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooks%27_Cottage
Lovely post, Christina. I envy you and Nicola the ability to visit all these beautiful old places. We have some lovely houses in Australia — and you can see some of them in the Miss Fisher TV series and film — but none of them is old enough to use for my research. The exception is “Captain Cook’s Cottage” which is a reassembled cottage owned by Captain Cook’s parents, and sits in the middle of some public gardens in Melbourne. I was able to use it for a novella, but it’s tiny and rather cramped. Gives you a good idea of how the ordinary people lived though.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooks%27_Cottage
Lovely post, Christina. I envy you and Nicola the ability to visit all these beautiful old places. We have some lovely houses in Australia — and you can see some of them in the Miss Fisher TV series and film — but none of them is old enough to use for my research. The exception is “Captain Cook’s Cottage” which is a reassembled cottage owned by Captain Cook’s parents, and sits in the middle of some public gardens in Melbourne. I was able to use it for a novella, but it’s tiny and rather cramped. Gives you a good idea of how the ordinary people lived though.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooks%27_Cottage
Lovely post, Christina. I envy you and Nicola the ability to visit all these beautiful old places. We have some lovely houses in Australia — and you can see some of them in the Miss Fisher TV series and film — but none of them is old enough to use for my research. The exception is “Captain Cook’s Cottage” which is a reassembled cottage owned by Captain Cook’s parents, and sits in the middle of some public gardens in Melbourne. I was able to use it for a novella, but it’s tiny and rather cramped. Gives you a good idea of how the ordinary people lived though.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooks%27_Cottage
Lovely post, Christina. I envy you and Nicola the ability to visit all these beautiful old places. We have some lovely houses in Australia — and you can see some of them in the Miss Fisher TV series and film — but none of them is old enough to use for my research. The exception is “Captain Cook’s Cottage” which is a reassembled cottage owned by Captain Cook’s parents, and sits in the middle of some public gardens in Melbourne. I was able to use it for a novella, but it’s tiny and rather cramped. Gives you a good idea of how the ordinary people lived though.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooks%27_Cottage
Looking forward to the new novel based on Tyntesfield …. I visited once on the way home from a holliday in North Devon and was very impressed. It will be fun to revisit with your book in hand!
I also liked Hampton court castle with the gardens, maze and sunken garden where you can get behind the waterfall and look out. I took some photos there, varying the shutter speed to freeze the water droplets with interesting results.
I think Mary Jo could have set her maze scene from ‘Dearly Beloved’ in Hampton Court Castle grounds … I could easily imagine that dastardly french spy hastelling the heroine at the maze center. I’m sure that Tyntesfield will yield simillar opportunities!
Looking forward to the new novel based on Tyntesfield …. I visited once on the way home from a holliday in North Devon and was very impressed. It will be fun to revisit with your book in hand!
I also liked Hampton court castle with the gardens, maze and sunken garden where you can get behind the waterfall and look out. I took some photos there, varying the shutter speed to freeze the water droplets with interesting results.
I think Mary Jo could have set her maze scene from ‘Dearly Beloved’ in Hampton Court Castle grounds … I could easily imagine that dastardly french spy hastelling the heroine at the maze center. I’m sure that Tyntesfield will yield simillar opportunities!
Looking forward to the new novel based on Tyntesfield …. I visited once on the way home from a holliday in North Devon and was very impressed. It will be fun to revisit with your book in hand!
I also liked Hampton court castle with the gardens, maze and sunken garden where you can get behind the waterfall and look out. I took some photos there, varying the shutter speed to freeze the water droplets with interesting results.
I think Mary Jo could have set her maze scene from ‘Dearly Beloved’ in Hampton Court Castle grounds … I could easily imagine that dastardly french spy hastelling the heroine at the maze center. I’m sure that Tyntesfield will yield simillar opportunities!
Looking forward to the new novel based on Tyntesfield …. I visited once on the way home from a holliday in North Devon and was very impressed. It will be fun to revisit with your book in hand!
I also liked Hampton court castle with the gardens, maze and sunken garden where you can get behind the waterfall and look out. I took some photos there, varying the shutter speed to freeze the water droplets with interesting results.
I think Mary Jo could have set her maze scene from ‘Dearly Beloved’ in Hampton Court Castle grounds … I could easily imagine that dastardly french spy hastelling the heroine at the maze center. I’m sure that Tyntesfield will yield simillar opportunities!
Looking forward to the new novel based on Tyntesfield …. I visited once on the way home from a holliday in North Devon and was very impressed. It will be fun to revisit with your book in hand!
I also liked Hampton court castle with the gardens, maze and sunken garden where you can get behind the waterfall and look out. I took some photos there, varying the shutter speed to freeze the water droplets with interesting results.
I think Mary Jo could have set her maze scene from ‘Dearly Beloved’ in Hampton Court Castle grounds … I could easily imagine that dastardly french spy hastelling the heroine at the maze center. I’m sure that Tyntesfield will yield simillar opportunities!
LOL – you’re so right, Anne!
LOL – you’re so right, Anne!
LOL – you’re so right, Anne!
LOL – you’re so right, Anne!
LOL – you’re so right, Anne!
Thank you, Anne – I find all old buildings fascinating so I’d definitely want to visit Captain Cook’s Cottage if I ever make it over to Australia! It looks very quaint.
Thank you, Anne – I find all old buildings fascinating so I’d definitely want to visit Captain Cook’s Cottage if I ever make it over to Australia! It looks very quaint.
Thank you, Anne – I find all old buildings fascinating so I’d definitely want to visit Captain Cook’s Cottage if I ever make it over to Australia! It looks very quaint.
Thank you, Anne – I find all old buildings fascinating so I’d definitely want to visit Captain Cook’s Cottage if I ever make it over to Australia! It looks very quaint.
Thank you, Anne – I find all old buildings fascinating so I’d definitely want to visit Captain Cook’s Cottage if I ever make it over to Australia! It looks very quaint.
Thank you, Quantum – and oh yes, how could I forget about the waterfall? The perfect place for a romantic scene as well as being beautiful! I’m going to go back to Tyntesfield to explore some more as soon as I’m allowed – I’m sure you’re right and there is lots more to discover.
I’ll have to take Mary Jo to Hampton Court Castle next time she’s in the UK 🙂
Thank you, Quantum – and oh yes, how could I forget about the waterfall? The perfect place for a romantic scene as well as being beautiful! I’m going to go back to Tyntesfield to explore some more as soon as I’m allowed – I’m sure you’re right and there is lots more to discover.
I’ll have to take Mary Jo to Hampton Court Castle next time she’s in the UK 🙂
Thank you, Quantum – and oh yes, how could I forget about the waterfall? The perfect place for a romantic scene as well as being beautiful! I’m going to go back to Tyntesfield to explore some more as soon as I’m allowed – I’m sure you’re right and there is lots more to discover.
I’ll have to take Mary Jo to Hampton Court Castle next time she’s in the UK 🙂
Thank you, Quantum – and oh yes, how could I forget about the waterfall? The perfect place for a romantic scene as well as being beautiful! I’m going to go back to Tyntesfield to explore some more as soon as I’m allowed – I’m sure you’re right and there is lots more to discover.
I’ll have to take Mary Jo to Hampton Court Castle next time she’s in the UK 🙂
Thank you, Quantum – and oh yes, how could I forget about the waterfall? The perfect place for a romantic scene as well as being beautiful! I’m going to go back to Tyntesfield to explore some more as soon as I’m allowed – I’m sure you’re right and there is lots more to discover.
I’ll have to take Mary Jo to Hampton Court Castle next time she’s in the UK 🙂
I fall in love with gardens usually. There’s just something about Sizergh Castle gardens that draws me in. Castle Drogo’s as well, I love the gardens there too. Tyntesfield looks and sounds very intriguing though. One day in the future I will hopefully get the chance to experience your latest crush for myself.
I fall in love with gardens usually. There’s just something about Sizergh Castle gardens that draws me in. Castle Drogo’s as well, I love the gardens there too. Tyntesfield looks and sounds very intriguing though. One day in the future I will hopefully get the chance to experience your latest crush for myself.
I fall in love with gardens usually. There’s just something about Sizergh Castle gardens that draws me in. Castle Drogo’s as well, I love the gardens there too. Tyntesfield looks and sounds very intriguing though. One day in the future I will hopefully get the chance to experience your latest crush for myself.
I fall in love with gardens usually. There’s just something about Sizergh Castle gardens that draws me in. Castle Drogo’s as well, I love the gardens there too. Tyntesfield looks and sounds very intriguing though. One day in the future I will hopefully get the chance to experience your latest crush for myself.
I fall in love with gardens usually. There’s just something about Sizergh Castle gardens that draws me in. Castle Drogo’s as well, I love the gardens there too. Tyntesfield looks and sounds very intriguing though. One day in the future I will hopefully get the chance to experience your latest crush for myself.
Christina, I hope you do get to visit it and yes I think it would be a wonderful setting for a time slip story. I’ve always thought so when I saw it. If you do go, let me know when the books out:):)
Christina, I hope you do get to visit it and yes I think it would be a wonderful setting for a time slip story. I’ve always thought so when I saw it. If you do go, let me know when the books out:):)
Christina, I hope you do get to visit it and yes I think it would be a wonderful setting for a time slip story. I’ve always thought so when I saw it. If you do go, let me know when the books out:):)
Christina, I hope you do get to visit it and yes I think it would be a wonderful setting for a time slip story. I’ve always thought so when I saw it. If you do go, let me know when the books out:):)
Christina, I hope you do get to visit it and yes I think it would be a wonderful setting for a time slip story. I’ve always thought so when I saw it. If you do go, let me know when the books out:):)
I definitely will, Teresa! Thanks again!
I definitely will, Teresa! Thanks again!
I definitely will, Teresa! Thanks again!
I definitely will, Teresa! Thanks again!
I definitely will, Teresa! Thanks again!
Oh yes, there are some really beautiful gardens around – I’ll have to show you the one at Hampton Court Castle next time you’re visiting!
Oh yes, there are some really beautiful gardens around – I’ll have to show you the one at Hampton Court Castle next time you’re visiting!
Oh yes, there are some really beautiful gardens around – I’ll have to show you the one at Hampton Court Castle next time you’re visiting!
Oh yes, there are some really beautiful gardens around – I’ll have to show you the one at Hampton Court Castle next time you’re visiting!
Oh yes, there are some really beautiful gardens around – I’ll have to show you the one at Hampton Court Castle next time you’re visiting!