Rippon Lea House and Gardens
This historic mansion, designed by Joseph Reed and built in 1868, is just 7 train stops north of Sandringham where we are staying.
Entry gates
Cast iron was used extensively in the gates, fences and bridges on the grounds
Walk from the Gatehouse to the Mansion
Facade facing the garden
Map of the house and grounds
Drive up to the Main Entrance
The Conservatory
View of the Front Entry Elevation from the grounds
The 3rd owner's daughter, Louisa Nathan, added this swimming pool and a ballroom
The windmill overlooks the orchard with over 100 fruit trees
The windmill was an integral part of the original irrigation system. This is a recreation recently completed
View thru the windmill toward the mansion
Exterior of the Fernery
Interior of the largest covered Fernery in the world, according to the mansion's brochure
This is a Swarovski Crystal Gown, which is quite beautiful.
An exhibit of historic wedding gowns was going on. Most of the furniture was removed and many rooms were closed to make way for the exhibit. I was pretty disappointed.
The exterior of the house and the grounds are quite beautiful. They have lots of volunteers working to maintain the gardens, but overall there is a lot of deferred maintenance of the house and the grounds. I imagine the cost of the upkeep is substantial. It makes me appreciate the care taken if other historic homes we've visited like the Biltmore!
No comments:
Post a Comment