Laburnum Arch - Bodnant Gardens - National Trust

It is far far too long since I last posted here, actually back in February. I have so many photos that I do want to share here as I am still travelling and taking loads of photos. Somehow real life keeps getting in the way, but I will continue to post from time to time.

Anyway I am today sharing photographs with you of something from my wishlist! A visit to Bodnant Garden to see the Laburnum Arch in flower. Delighted to say actually managed to organise a trip at the right time this year. These photos were taken on June 3rd and to show how much I have been neglecting my blog I have just found the draft! My apologies for the out of season post, but it seemed a shame to waste this stunning scene, so better late than never.

What a wondrous experience it was. Enjoy and if you have never visited Bodnant Garden at the time the laburnum is in bloom maybe this post will inspire you to do so.

Definitely worth timing a visit to see the Laburnum in bloom.

Polesden Lacey - National Trust Property - Surrey - England

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.

                                       With the courtesy of the National Trust and YouTube. 

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.

Facebook Page - Polesden Lacey   National Trust - Polesden Lacey      YouTube

Greenway - National Trust - Devon

On March 25th  during a visit to Devon, I had the pleasure of visiting the National Trust property 'Greenway'.   The property was the holiday home of the author Agatha Christie and her family during the nineteen fifties.  Set high on a hill above the River Dart, the extensive gardens and woodlands are a pleasure to wander in. The house itself is a delight to explore as it has been set in the fifties and is very atmospheric of the era.

Greenway House

River Dart viewed from the lawn in front of house.

The photos shared of the house are shown in the order they were taken as I wandered around the house, feeling as if I had been transported back to the fifties. 

 A stroll around the extensive grounds followed, a few photos of which are shared here, including a visit to 'The Boathouse' the place known to Agatha Christie readers as the place where Marlene Tucker was strangled in the novel 'Dead Man's Folly'.

'Greenway' was described by Agatha Christie  as 'The loveliest place in the world', during my travels I have seen many places that also deserve this description. In my opinion there are thousands of such places in this beautiful world we live in, I do agree though that 'Greenway' is certainly one of them.

If you have the opportunity to visit 'Greenway', I highly recommend buying a copy of the National Trust Guidebook. It fills in the background to the information you will glean from the knowledgeable guides as you tour the house and enhance your tour of the garden. Of course it is also a great momento, one I will be picking up again as it is definitely somewhere I would want to visit again and again, if I get the opportunities.  With thanks to the descendants of Agatha Christie who gave this stunning place to the National Trust for us all to enjoy.

The photos used here are all my own and they are just a selection of the ones I took during the visit. I will be using others on LindyLouMac's World in Photos. In fact I have already posted a few of the gorgeous Rhododendrons and Camellias that were in bloom during my visit. Please consider following if you are interested in seeing more photos from 'Greenway', make sure you let me know and I will return the compliment, thankyou.

Glorious Rhododendron and Camellia    Magnolia and Camellia Blooms - Greenway house

With thanks to the following sites, where you can find out more about 'Greenway' and Agatha Christie

Wikipedia - Agatha Christie     National Trust - Greenway    Agatha Christie - Official Website

Facebook - Agatha Christie    Agatha Christie - Biography.com   Trip Advisor - Greenway Reviews