After leaving Grasmere we headed to one more special place for the day, Sizergh. It is still in the Lake District so you can be assured it is lovely. Driving up to the car park we were greeted by these cuties.
Sizergh Castle dates back to the the fifteenth century. Some believe the tower dates to the fourteenth century. Sizergh has been the home of the Strickland family for over 750 years. In fact they still live here! They gave the castle to the National Trust in 1950 with the understanding that they would still have a private wing and use of all the rooms when not open to visitors. Most people can not afford to keep up a castle and this is not unusual for families to do this. It's a good deal all around.
The wing on the right hand side of the photo is where the Stricklands have their private quarters. This is the entrance to go into the castle. It used to actually serve as a stable then a carriage storage area. Let's go inside and have a look around this beautiful home.
There are paintings that line the hall of family members that date from the 1600's to present day.
Here is the dining room. It's set for dinner---How lovely! The panelling throughout the castle is quite unique. In one room (no photography allowed) the panelling is inlaid with florals and geometric designs made of oak bog and poplar wood. This room used to be in the Victoria and Albert Museum but was bought back to Sizergh in 1999. The room is quite dark but definitely a work of art.
The rooms are enormous in Sizergh. The Strickland family still invites extended family here for Christmas and special occasions.
Let's take a look out the window!
The castle is full of priceless antiques. I especially liked looking at all the beautiful china.
The furniture is quite unique in the castle. There are pieces from just about all centuries since the castle has been here.
I was surprised to see current photos of the Strickland family displayed in the castle. This was a collection that was on a table in the sitting room.
What a lovely place for a family to gather. Plenty of bedrooms and space to have all of the generations under one roof!
Let's head out to the garden. This swan would not come up for his photo!
The gardens were lovely with interesting paths and plants. We were able to speak to one of the gardeners that make this garden so lovely. Such a peaceful way to end our day. Goodbye Sizergh!
Let's change modes and see who has won the bluebell mug! I gathered all of my Peter Rabbit friends to help pick our winner. Good Luck everyone! Thank you for entering!
Peter Rabbit (aka Grandson Samuel) made sure all the names were in the Peter Rabbit mug. After hopping around he picked one name from the mug.
Congratulations Rosinda! You are the winner of the Bluebell Mug! I'll send it to you soon!
Congratulations, Rosinda! I love your figurines, Martha Ellen. I only have the Benjamin Bunny (gifted to me). My collection is the plaster kind in a smaller version. I actually quite like it because the characters are standing on a stack of books, one of which is THEIR book, but your set is so much prettier. I enjoyed the tour of the castle and some of the history. For me, the history is what entices me to visit places. Did you want to go to this place specifically or was it because it was nearby? I enjoyed the music very much--again, very fitting.
ReplyDeleteCathy, I remember seeing your BP figurines in your window. They are so cute sitting on their books. We too like to visit places for the historical reasons. You have probably noticed that on this blog. Sizergh is certainly full of history and the National Trust places are so well kept. Sizergh was nearby and we didn't want to miss it. This particular day was quite busy but we were happy we went there. It was on the way back "home".
DeleteI've had fun looking for appropriate music. Thank you for your kind words. ♥
What an interesting place to visit. Imagine a family living in the same place for so many years. Beautiful views out the windows. Thanks for this tour!
ReplyDeleteDotsie, the views on the Lake District are so pastoral. I'm glad you are enjoying the visit. ♥
DeleteCongrats to Rosinda! She's going to enjoy that mug.
ReplyDeleteOh my! This is quite the home. Now I love all your photos, but the one right after the uncooperative swan is exceptional in its beauty and framing.
Vee, thank you for your kind comments about the photo. Sometimes I get a lucky shot. It's difficult photographing and being in the "moment" at the same time. ♥
DeleteI am learning so much on "our" visit, Martha Ellen! What a fascinating fact...that a family can give its castle to the National Trust with an agreement to remain in a wing of the ancestral home! Sizergh Castle is beautiful and I especially loved that the family's photos are on display along with the grander furnishings and decor.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Rosinda!! How kind of Peter Rabbit and friends to help you with the giveaway. :)
Cheryl, we thought it fascinating also. I'm sure it comes with a lot of stipulations to be able to still live in the home. The National Trust is an amazing organization and I have no idea what gifting a property to them involves. ♥
DeleteOh my goodness! (she says jumping up and down with excitement). What a wonderful surprise! I am so pleased to be the lucky winner of the beautiful bluebell mug! Thank you so much, Martha Ellen, for this lovely giveaway. I like to think that this is a sign telling me that one day I shall see the beautiful bluebells in person, just as you did! I enjoyed learning about Sizergh Castle and seeing your gorgeous photos! I especially love the glorious gardens! P.S. I, too, collect the same Beatrix Potter figurines. Thank you again! I am beyond delighted! xoxo
ReplyDeleteYes, Rosinda, we will take it as a sign that you will see the bluebells in person. It is a sight to behold! Congratulations, your mug is on its way! xoxo ♥
DeleteThank you so much, Martha Ellen! And thank you to everyone who said congratulations to me! xoxo
DeleteWhat a lovely castle! You discovered so many special places, Martha Ellen! The first glimpse of the castle, with its stone wall took my breath away. Thanks for letting us peek out the windows into the garden. That's one of my very favorite things to do when visiting a historic home! I love seeing the current family photos on display. It reminds us that it is a real home. Can you imagine living there and celebrating the holidays? They must have several Christmas trees!! The outdoor staircase dressed in green and purple is so wonderful! It was a perfect visit today. Where are we going next?? Can't wait! ♡
ReplyDeleteP.S. Time for tea, Rosinda! Congratulations! ♡Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes
Dear Dawn, Sizergh Castle was a very special place to visit. It must be quite special during Christmas with extended family all gathered under one large roof. It would be lovely to tour during the Christmas season! Yes, the staircase was a favorite of mine--so charming. If you can stand it, we will be going to the Peak District to a "little" place in the country! It's incredible! ♥
DeleteI am just catching up with your two last posts now, Summer is so busy here & I have just not got on the laptop.
ReplyDeleteSizergh is beautiful, I love the vegetable garden there. Isn't the Lakes the most beautiful place to go, you never tire of it.
Well done to the winner.
Fondly Michelle
Michelle, I couldn't agree with you more. The Lake District is so beautiful--I can just imagine you being able to visit with just a drive. I will cherish my memories of this area forever. I hope it never changes! Sizergh Castle gardens are lovely ---have you bought plants from any of the National Trust sites? I noticed they have beautiful ones to purchase. I wish I could have bought some home! Have a nice weekend. ♥
DeleteImagine a huge home (castle) with room for all generations to gather comfortably. So nice. We have a lot of old photos in our family and definitely no paintings, and no photos dating back to the 1600s! 1860s only.
ReplyDeleteI love how you displayed Rosinda's name. Cute. Today I feel like Miss Tiggy Winkle. Tired now.
I know, Margot--Sizergh would be a wonderful ancestral home---the likes I know nothing about! It's the stuff dreams are made of. I hope Miss Tiggy Winkle get her rest soon. ♥
DeleteWhen you see these amazing stately homes with all their treasures and vast gardens you know you can only be in the UK. I can't imagine what it took to keep a house like this going. Wouldn't like to find out :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Amalia, the staff must have been enormous. I'm so glad that the National Trust takes great care of these treasures. ♥
DeleteWell done Rosinda ~ what a lovely prize ~ few spring wild flowers are more quintessentially English than the English Bluebell!
ReplyDeleteMartha Ellen, I am falling behind on my reading! You have had such a wonderful adventure and you are sharing it so generously, and beautifully, for your photography is so magical! Even though these places are but a short distance, by comparison, from me I have not seen many of them. Is that hard to believe? I have probably seen more of America than I have of my own home land ~ well, just across the border ~~~
Have I ever told you I worked for the National Trust? One of the most rewarding and happiest jobs I ever had!
Deb, I would love to hear more about you and your job with the National Trust!!! I would love a job with them! Where did you work? I believe that you haven't visited some of the places we went. We find that to be true in our own state. With our grandson living with us now we have great excuses to go to many of the spots we haven't been since our children were small or when we were children ourselves. It's so much easier when you are on vacation to go and see things--I hope you are feeling much better! ♥
DeleteMossy steps, a wattle WALL, Sheep and Huge, GIGANTIC portraits hanging in the hallway, I just love it. I can mimic the first three, but not the portrait of ancestors. I think I like this structure better than Chadwick, it has so much personality. Your photographs are really superb in portraying these places beautifully.
ReplyDeleteJeri, I must tell you when I saw the wattle wall I thought of you. I have another one to show you when we get to the gardens and grounds of Chatsworth. ♥
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