Wednesday 13 March 2013

Tyntesfield

I discovered that we were staying very close to the National Trust property at Tyntesfield - and so we scheduled a visit on Saturday morning.  All I can say is WOW!!


The house had been owned by a wealthy Victorian merchant who loved showing off. Everything in the property said "quality" .  He employed the same workmen as royalty did and it showed.
The estate was lived in until the last occupant passed away in 2001.  He left the property to 19 of his relatives - none of whom could afford to buy the others out, and so they put it up for sale.  It had been on a list of properties that the National Trust had wanted to own - mainly because the family had never thrown anything away.  The trust raised a lot of money in a short space of time, and now the property is preserved just as it was.

The estate is tucked away in the middle of nowhere - it is so peaceful.

The size of the chapel that the family build was excessive!
One of the things I loved was that unlike other properties these days, you can take photographs in the house.  Its wonderful to see rooms just as they had been left.




I always love the downstairs bits best - perhaps its because that would have been my place!



We wandered around the grounds - down to the walled garden.  Almost every tree was hung with mistletoe - I have never seen mistletoe growing before.
The Orangerie was one of my favourite places - it smelled beautiful - heavy with the fragrance of these hyacinths, but they also had a guitarist and mandolin player in here too.  The music was wonderful, it moved me to tears.


I could have happily lived in the stable block!

If you ever get chance to visit - do.  It is literally just off the M5 at the Gordano services.

13 comments:

Lisa said...

I have never heard of this property, but it looks really beautiful and I'm glad you were able to take photos so we could see it too.
I agree downstairs always looks so much more interesting, although I wouldn't have minded giving upstairs life on laying on a chaise lounge a go!
Lisa x

Unknown said...

How totally wonderful. What a gem of a find, Diane. That hall and staircase reminds me of Downton Abbey.
Thanks for taking the time to show us your lovely photos and tell us about such a great place.
Jill x

menopausalmusing said...

It's my most favourite place on the planet. I remember the first time we walked from the top and came round the bend to the church and the house proper. Mind blowing! Wish I had known you were there. Did you notice the gothic dog kennel outside?

Deborah said...

This is just remarkable! I would love to visit one day!

Diane said...

That is amazing ans great that they let you take photos so we can enjoy the tour with you. I will move into the stable block with you LOL Take care t'other Diane

Curtise said...

I have never heard of this place, but it looks absolutely beautiful. I wish I could visit! xxx

June said...

This is one I have wanted to visit and seeing your photos has added to that. Thanks for showing.
June

Lyn said...

We went a few years ago when there was scaffolding up and they were working on it. I bet it would be good to go back to see it again one day. Xxx

Jay said...

What a magnificent place to visit (or live in!)

Rosie said...

I'd vaguely heard of Tyntesfield when the NT took it over - it looks so interesting, I love the window with the birds in it. This has definitely got to go on my 'would like to visit' list:)

Louise said...

What a wonderful place, this goes on the to visit one day list!

Anonymous said...

What a marvellous find Diane, I should love to go there. I too would have felt most at home in the kitchen.

I know what you mean about being moved to tears by music 'in the flesh' as it were.

A garden just outside Venice said...

Wow! What an amazing place!
xxxx