"The distance is nothing when one has a motive"
I think most girls have imagined what it’s like to be in simillar times to Pride and Prejudice. Beautiful scenery, pretty dresses… Of course there’s the oppression of women as well. But focus on the nice bit for now. Last week I headed to two houses reminiscent of the past, and showed this in beautiful, regal ways.
I headed to Chatsworth first, which was really exciting for me as I’ve always wanted to go but never been. But thankfully, it was everything I had envisioned (…although it tipped it down when we arrived!). The household was fabulously intricate, and there was a fashion exhibit on that showed how trends have changed throughout time. It was quite difficult to take photos as the house was so dark, to preserve the century-old pieces in the house. I believe I got some interesting shots anyway:
Just around the riverbend…
The perfect library
A pillar of history
Am I too tiny for this dress? Yes.
The devil’s in the detail
Coincidentally, I went to Hardwick Hall a few days later, which acted as sort of a sequel to Chatsworth. This is because a previous owner of Chatsworth, Beth Hardwick, moved to a place of her own. She planned exactly how she wanted her house to look – lucky her could afford to after having four husbands! It made me laugh that the initials read ES at the top, which are my initials as well. Again I had the lighting issue, but luckily the outside was just as gorgeous as the inside:
Sit back, relax…
Reckon they’d let you toast marshmallows?
Framed by a summer’s day
A fairy trail
Hardwick Hall/Malfoy Manor
I personally don’t think I could live in a house quite that big or intricate – I’m hopeless with directions and I’m a member of the Clumsy Club (a family trademark). It is still wonderful visiting these places though, and basking in the history and culture they have to offer – whether the English weather is being generous or not!
“The distance is nothing, when one has a motive” – Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austin
“Clumsy club” haha I love it!
Beautiful pictures 🙂 we love Chatsworth too!
It is gorgeous!
Wow one pics are beautiful, they really make these places appealing to visit! I love discovering new places like this, with lovely grounds to explore. Great post x
They are so worth travelling for! Thank you 🙂
I love both of these two but haven’t been for years. I too am very clumsy but this is nothing compared to how clumsy my son is….hence why I don’t take him places like this!
I’m with you, couldn’t live in a place like that. I’d get scared haha! Although would love to visit x
These photos are phenomenal! And I definitely think I deserve membership to the clumsy club haha!
http://www.jennyrosee.com
Really enjoyed reading this. I actually am lucky enough to stay in a flat that is within the grounds of a stately home which sometimes makes it easy to take it for granted. Reading your post just made me realise how beautiful places like these are and how they definitely shouldn’t be taken for granted!
Oh wow you’re so lucky! Glad you liked it 🙂
Stunning photos. It looks wonderful 🙂
I think the moral here is to get through four husbands.. I’ve not been to either, but Chatsworth in particular is one I’d love to visit, it looks incredibly impressive, the grounds included. You definitely have managed some fab photos! 🙂
Caz
http://www.invisiblyme.com
That’s very true! You should definitely take a visit :). Thanks very much 😀
Beautiful and so quintessentially British! Love it. Another destination to add to my list – a bit far from Kent but hopefully we can make it when our son grows a bit older.
I always wanted to visit chatsworth! Thanks for showing the pictures you took.
I love Chatsworth house – it’s a beautiful house in a beautiful setting. I love hearing about the history of places like these. I’ve never been to Hardwick house. P.s I reckon they would let you toast marshmellows! x
The history behind them is definitely interesting!
Lovely pictures – looks like a great place to have a wander around, have never been myself.
Thank you, you should totally check it out yourself!
Fabulous photos! I’ve only been to Chatsworth once in their Christmas season, but enjoyed the park on many occasions. I went to Hardwick Hall on my first foray as an adult aged 20, which is absolutely aeons ago.
Have you been to Haddon Hall which is nearby? I could live there 😁
Oh brilliant! No I haven’t actually, I definitely must endeavour to do so 🙂
I love houses like this- I always love to look round them
I’ve always wanted to go to Chatsworth as well. I grew up in Derbyshire and we went to the grounds there but never in the house.
I am taking the girls next week to the farm and play park as we won a family ticket 🙂 Still won’t be going in the house or gardens though. I will get the husband to take me one day!
Wow – Chatsworth just looks so beautiful! I’ve just added it to my UK places to see list!