Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian house, extended from an older one and estate, owned and run by the National Trust. It is located on the North Downs at Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, England.
As I spent the majority of my childhood in Great Bookham, the grounds of this wonderful estate were my local playground when I was growing up. It was safe in those days to let your young teenagers disappear for a whole day on their bicycles and the estate was such a wonderful playground. We used to have such fun there in those lazy hazy days with no modern technology to distract us.
When my own family were growing up we used to take them there often with their grandparents. At least three generations, possibly more if I do some more family research sometime, of our family have visited and enjoyed this property over the years.
Therefore it seemed only natural then when I was in Surrey in September with my youngest daughter, her husband and a friend for us to pay a visit to Polesden Lacey. Unfortunately it was this time only a fleeting visit due to other commitments but I will be back.
I did manage a quick look around the house and took the opportunity to take a few photos to share here and on Instagram and LindyLouMac's World in Photos which I hope you will enjoy.
The following four paragraphs are the overview of Polesden Lacey on the National Trust Website.
'This is a delicious house...' remarked Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother on her honeymoon at Polesden Lacey. This country retreat, only four miles from Dorking and junction 9 of the M25, has glorious views across the rolling Surrey Hills and acres of countryside. It was home to famous Edwardian hostess Mrs Greville, who entertained royalty and the celebrities of her time.
Marvel at the glittering Gold Room, designed to impress kings and maharajahs, or Mrs Greville's extensive collection of art and ceramics ranging from world-famous Dutch old masters to sparkling Fabergé objects.
The gardens offer something for every season, including climbing roses at their best in June, a herbaceous border that we’re currently restoring to pre-war glories and a winter garden bursting with yellow aconites.
The wider estate provides plenty of space to let off steam on a walk through woodland or over rolling hills, with four waymarked trails to try.
The remainder of my photos will give you a glimpse inside the house from the grand entrance hall through to below stairs via the sumptuous rooms used for entertaining.
With thanks to the following sites, where you can find out more about Polesden Lacey.
