Today we will be travelling to the Peak District. We originally planned to go here on Friday, but we learned there was going to be a Bank Holiday this weekend and thought it better if we went today instead. There is more traffic on the roads if there is a holiday.
Let's get started on our journey to visit the grandest of homes! After filling the car with gas we are ready to get started. I must remind you how expensive gas is in England. One litre of gas was running between 1.19 pounds to 1.29 pounds. Remember a gallon is approximately 3.78 litres; so at 1.19 pounds per litre that is 4.50 pounds per gallon. That translates to approximately $7 per gallon--Yes that is expensive!! Gas was one of our larger expenses in England.
The Peak District is so beautiful! We travelled over hill and dale to reach our destination! This drive was so peaceful!
The Peak District is so beautiful! We travelled over hill and dale to reach our destination! This drive was so peaceful!
We're getting closer...
Here we are!!! Can you believe it? It takes my breath away! Chatsworth!!!
Chatsworth has been handed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. It is the family home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. They pay rent to the Chatsworth House Trust that takes care of the property. They work with the Chatsworth House Trust to welcome visitors to Chatsworth. The house and the grounds cover over 1822 acres. It is an enormous compound.
After parking the car we went in to buy our tickets. We walked through an enormous gate to reach the home.
Then we went into the main entrance of the home--The Painted Hall by Louis Laguerre. The room is painted Sistine Chapel style with scenes of Julius Caesar's life.
This great hall was chosen for scenes of Mr. Darcy's home, Pemberly. I'm astonished at the opulence in this room and throughout the home. Let's climb the stairs and look around! There is so much to see.
The ceilings in Chatsworth are just amazing!!! I must tell you I have not seen art like this since being in Rome.
The Ascension and the Incredulity of St Thomas--Louis Laguerre
Upon reaching the top of the stairs, I looked out the window to see this sculpture!
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| Leaping Hare on Curly Bell by Barry Flannagan |
I love to gaze out the windows at places like this.
Back inside we continue in awe over all that we are seeing. There are tapestries lining many walls.
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| English Biblical tapestry of the Acts of the Apostles circa 1635-1639 |
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| Trompe L'Oeil of Violin and Bow--oil on panel |
The wallpaper was just exquisite!
This gentleman was playing classical music as we went through the library---so beautiful!
Another peek out the window!
As we finish walking through the home we go into the Sculpture Gallery.
Clearly, Chatsworth is an amazing place to visit. This post is already quite long, so I feel I should make another post about the grounds at Chatsworth.
A wise decision not to travel on a Bank Holiday ~ those are the days you spend six hours driving a few miles down the road with everyone else only to arrive in time to turn around to come home! A day out in the car ~ or, as I opt to do, stay at home and go out on foot.
ReplyDeleteYou had such a wonderful visit, didn't you? Isn't that leaping hare a juxtaposition to all the antiquity? Most unexpected. Looking forward to seeing the grounds next!
Deb, it was an amazing visit! Chatsworth is a living home filled with the old and the new! Each generation that has lived there added their mark in some way. We were quite surprised at the traffic in England-- I'm looking forward to showing the grounds.♥
DeleteOh my! What a home. The family has figured out a wonderful way to enjoy their home while having it maintained and giving others the pleasure of seeing its treasures. I, too, like looking out windows because those scenes are usually cafefully crafted. I try to remember this in my own humble abode. Looking forward to more on Chatsworth!
ReplyDeleteVee, it would be a shame if these regal places fell to ruin. We have places in the US that would fall to disrepair if it weren't for organizations that take care of them. Yes, window gazing is a favorite of mine wherever I am! ♥
DeleteSo I can add this on my wish list. Wasn't there a scene in P and P where they are in a room such as the sculpture Gallery you show? Or am I thinking of another movie. Wondering if that's the same one as in the movie.
ReplyDeleteYes, Dotsie, you are right about the sculpture gallery being where the Lizzie Bennett saw the bust of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. This gallery is filled with amazing art! I found it hard to believe all of it one place! Just priceless! ♥
DeleteI am so glad you visited Chatsworth, it is a stunningly beautiful house, so grand.
ReplyDeleteYes petrol is so high here in England, it has been for years, we pay so much tax on it.
Thank you for another beautiful post, I love coming along on your journey.
Bedtime here in England, so I am off to spend half an hour reading Miss Read.
Fondly Michelle
Michelle, we really went out of our way to see Chatsworth. I'm so glad we did! All of Europe pays a fortune for gas. Thanks for your kind words. Sleep well. ♥
DeleteThose pictures are breath taking. You will certainly have some great memories of your trip. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and for your kind words. ♥
DeleteI am pretty sure I was meant to be an aristocrat. Lol Actually, I'd even settle for being a shepherdess in that beautiful countryside. Fuel for a car is expensive over there, but it's well worth it to get off the beaten path and see the gems one might not otherwise see.
ReplyDeleteGood one, Judy! I'll take the first bedroom and you take the second and we'll be all set! It is so worth it to be able to go where you want when you travel. When we've driven in other European countries we know why they all drive small vehicles and hardlly any SUVs. ♥
DeleteContinuing my armchair tour with this gorgeous estate!! Chatsworth is chock full of amazing details...from the ceiling to the wallpaper to the art collections to the views! You must have been overwhelmed!
ReplyDelete(I took note of your description of the drive as "peaceful." Was your hubby getting more adept behind the wheel on the right, or were you getting more accustomed to the view from the left side of the road? ~smile~)
Cheryl, Chatsworth was quite overwheming-unbelievable for sure as someone's home. We just stood in awe when we entered the Painted Hall.
DeleteGrayden was doing a wonderful job with the driving--I was still practicing keeping quiet! LOL The drive was just beautiful and pastoral travelling through the Peak District. ♥
As lovely as Chatsworth is I'd have a hard time living in a house like that....but I don't have to worry about having to, do I! :-) The art work is amazing and to think it is just the decor of the house.
ReplyDeleteCathy, as glorious as Chatsworth was I can't imagine living there either. I think each generation put their stamp on the home with more and more opulence! ♥
DeleteHope you also stopped at Haddon Hall...very close to Chatsworth. And any National Trust property anywhere near where you are!
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Lynda--We did not go to Haddon Hall as we spent most of our day at Chatsworth and then travelled to Gawthrope Hall ( a National Trust property). We loved the National Trust properties! ♥
DeleteMartha Ellen, you have made me so envious (in the nicest sense of the word)! I soooo need another trip to England. Someday ... sigh
ReplyDeleteJean, I know what you mean---We just got back and I want to go again! ♥
DeleteEngland is my second home as son, DIL and grandchildren live there (permanently) so go over a lot. Drive on the left, etc. off again in 2 weeks...would rather fly and visit and eat soup and crackers to be able to afford it! Then you can fly so cheaply all
ReplyDeleteOver Europe from there!
ReplyDeleteLynda, your family lives so far from you--we will do anything to visit our children and grandchildren. ♥
DeleteI loved spending a day at Chatsworth with you, Martha Ellen! The wallpaper and furniture always catch my eye in historic homes. Thanks for the lovely peeks out the windows. Can't wait to stroll through the gardens together! ♡ Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have to come along, Dawn! The wallpaper in Chatsworth was gorgeous! I just loved the birds on it! I've pretty much had my fill of wallpaper in my own home, though. It's the dickens to get off the wall when I tire of it. When we took the paper out of the kitchen, I vowed never to put wallpaper up again. The gardens at Chatsworth are even more lovely than the home. ♥
DeleteI can't believe I missed 3 posts when I was only out of town for a week! I will be back to comment.. I have a lot of reading and oooh-ing and ah-ing to do..
ReplyDeleteJeri, welcome home! ♥
DeleteWEll, GEEEZ, What can I say.... I best get out my dvd of Pride and Prejudice to see those sculptures again, up close.We recently watched a series on Baroque Art and this is IT! The lush fabrics on the canopy bed, the wallpaper, and the most amazing trompe L'Oeil I have ever seen just dripping of opulence. I don't know how you can take it all in, there is just so much going on in one room. It looks as if the weather that day was perfect for your visit, the sun came out!
ReplyDeleteJeri, the weather was wonderful that day. It started out with a few sprinkles but then cleared off beautifully. The trompe L'Oeil was just the best piece! That violin looked so real, I had to get up close and personal to really see its beauty. ♥
DeleteOh, my, this is an amazing place. So many things to admire. That wallpaper!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Amalia, Chatsworth is a living museum! I loved the wallpaper also! Have a great weekend. ♥
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