Belton House

When we visited Belton House, we both looked at each other and said- "They call this a house!  It's more like a palace."  Today I'd like to show you what I mean and you tell me what you think!

Come along now as we park our car and go inside to visit a property owned by The National Trust in Belton, Grantham, Lincolnshire.  In 1984 the family decided to give up ownership.  One can imagine the enormous cost of keeping up such a mansion and its grounds.

It's a lovely afternoon to explore the property that was built for Sir John Brownlow in the 1680's.  

Come along quickly through the courtyard gate, as I do believe we are about to be poured upon.  Make sure you always bring your brolly when touring Britain as one minute it's beautiful and then not! 

Stepping inside of Belton House we immediately realize the enormous wealth the Brownlow family had through the generations. 

We enter into Marble Hall so named for the black and white marble tiles.

We are lucky to be visiting on a day that is not crowded.  I understand now that they have gone to timed ticket entrances because Belton House is quite popular.

We are directed up the staircase and notice the beautiful woodwork as we ascend.

The canopy bed coverings and wallpapers were stunning.  This bedroom has the original hand painted 18th century wallpaper. 

This is the Queen's Room.  Maybe you can see the embroidered AR (Adelaide Regina) on the bed head.  When Queen Adelaide (widow of William IV) visited in 1841 this room was renovated for her.  Remember Victoria became Queen when William IV died.

I love to look out the windows to see the garden that is teasing me to enter.  Most of the shades were drawn so as not to fade any of the fabrics or paint, but this shade was open a wee bit.

The lovely library has the most extraordinary collection of books in the house. 

Over the course of 300 years, 11,000 books have been amassed by the families that lived in Belton House.  There are rare maps from the 18th and 19th century that were hand colored.

Can you spot the hidden door in this photo?  Many grand old homes and castles had these.  This one is obvious, but others are quite difficult to find.

This 1725 piece of art captured my attention.  It's titled:  The Belton Conversation Piece by Philippe Mercier

As I was researching more about this painting I learned that the Tyrconnel family is featured.  Lord Tyrconnel on the left with his wife in the wheel chair, and Lady Tyrconnel's cousin and her husband, in front of the south facade.  The figure of the artist is on the bottom left. This piece is considered one of the first conversation pieces of art in Britain.

Another peek out the window!  My goodness...how lovely. 

Another beautiful collection of antique volumes.

Belton House is home to many amazing tapestries.  In the Tapestry room the 3rd Earl of Brownlow wanted to feature his Diogenes collection.  This room was remodeled for him in 1890.

The Mortlake tapestries were made of silk and wool in London.

There is a lovely chapel at Belton House. The gallery level looks down on the floor level of the house.  A place that allowed both servants and owners to worship.

Leaving the interior of the home we want to take a peek at the gardens.

The Italian Garden is so lovely with the Orangery in view.  The church you see holds the tombs of the family members (the Brownlows and the Custs) that lived in Belton House.

The property at Belton House is enormous and covers many acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and follies.  
I do hope you enjoyed your visit.  I think we need to stop for tea in the tea room.  But, I must ask, do you think of this as a house or a palace? ♥