Waddesdon

The morning was fine and seemed set to be bright, so we decided to head off to Waddesdon Manor.

This is somewhere I’ve wanted to visit for quite a while.

Oddly, for England, it’s an extravagantly turreted chateau in the French Renaissance style.

Set in an enormous park of beautifully landscaped gardens, woodlands, and gracious grounds.

It was the life work of one of the Rothschilds …as a family, they were the greatest collectors of the 19^th century.

As you may imagine - this house is absolutely jam-packed with treasures!!!

I have long been aware of dozens of them, and so, looked for them …but the whole experience of viewing this place still overwhelmed my brain!

There was the extraordinary musical automation in the shape of an elephant – and it’s a clock!

….Gainsborough’s “Pink Boy” (so beautiful!), and his “Lady Sheffield” …the Beauvais Tapestries …also the Sevres porcelain (so over-the-top).

Then there were the sweet little chairs in the ‘wash room’ next to The Dining Room …and the Baron’s private apartments.

And skipping over too many things to mention, we finally came to something that I’ve SO wanted to see! …

The startling chandelier – made of broken porcelain!! – that was commissioned in 2003 for the Blue Dining Room.

… and it lived up to my expectations …and much more!

If  I could take home one thing, THAT would be it!!!

They wouldn’t let me, of course …

So …after exploring the house, we made our way to the Manor Restaurant, and revived ourselves with a wonderful lunch.

The icing on the cake (so to speak) was the classical jazz guitarist playing there.

Music …and food …a nourishing combination!

 Later, back in our cottage by the river, a leisurely stroll along the river bank path beautifully ended an enjoyable day.