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!
