This week we visited Hinton Ampner, Bramdean, near Winchester, left to the National Trust when the last Lord Sherborne died in the 1980s. I’ve been there several times, but this year the garden seemed more colourful and more of the house had been opened up. It was fascinating to look at old photo albums and to listen to recordings of the former family and staff talking. Lord Sherborne's sister, a grand-sounding old lady, said that her parents, not much interested in children, were disappointed when two girls were born first, then at last there was a son, followed eventually by a third daughter, so there was a triumph and three disasters, as she sadly put it.A useful household hint: one needs two bell-pulls in each room, one to summon menservants and one to summon maids. (photo credits - Rory Vereker)
7 comments:
I have a bit of a thing about hedges and your pictures have some particularly impressive topiary.
Looks like a lovely place.
Two bell pulls! Of course. Though in this house, they just all shout for me.
Smashing pics again.
"A useful household hint: one needs two bell-pulls in each room, one to summon menservants and one to summon maids." I've always felt the same myself: sadly, when I pull the bell no-one ever appears... What am I doing wrong?
My mother had a triumph and three disasters too. I love that.
Beautiful gardens.
What wonderful photos!
I shall have some bell-pulls installed immediately :o)
I do so enjoy your photos of English country gardens.
Thanks for comments on photos - Son 3 took these, not me.
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