Manor House with a View

The jewel in the Stourhead crown has to be the world-famous 18th-century landscape garden. A magnificent lake shimmering with reflections of classical temples, mystical grottoes and rare and exotic trees. Secrets of the Hoare family history are revealed at Stourhead House (orginally the family holiday home!) with the chance to discover the unique Regency library, collections of Chippendale furniture and inspirational paintings, all set amid 'picnic perfect' lawns and parkland. The lake and house are at the heart of a 1,072-hectare (2,650-acre) estate where chalk downs, ancient woods and farmland are managed for people and wildlife to enjoy - National Trust Stourhead site description.










As one meanders around the lake path the view changes at every bend. Not all of the buildings and carefully created scenes are visible at once. Thus it is a journey of sorts to navigate the grounds not knowing what will be around the next turn or grove of trees. On the above sign found at Stourhead Alexander Pope, 18th century poet and garden proponent, lyrically states the aim of the well designed landscape.

As the formal garden with its topiary figures fell out of popularity in lieu of the more natural landscape gardens, Pope published a satirical catalogue of topiary for sale.


















Here's something lovely if you have a few minutes to spare.