To The Manor Born

Great Weekend

It was lovely to spend some quality one with the G.O this weekend, especially as we were able to leave the house.  

We have recently joined Costco. I know we are very late to the game, but that place is awesome.  Everytime we go I am amazed at the range and sheer volume available.  They were selling full size swimming pools, enormous flat screen TVs, a sofa in a box and a canoe! 

It never ceases to amaze me, just what is on offer. I have feeling that this could be the best/worst thing we've ever done.  I have to confess I have become slightly addicted to their pretzels and love nothing more than curling up on the sofa munching away.

On Sunday we decided to make the most of the glorious weather and our National Trust membership and visit Hughenden Manor, just outside West Wycombe.

Hughenden Manor was the home to the charismatic and colourful Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, who lived there from 1848 to 1881.

We were able to tour the house on our own and browse among an extraordinary collection of personal memorabilia.  I find it amazing that we are allowed into these huge and wonderful houses and garden and are able to explore as we choose.  Sometimes the houses feel warm and inviting and other times, especially when they are "dressed" for the occasion, they feel creepy. Particularly the cellars (I don't like cellars).
While we were there we learned about  Hughenden's secret wartime past (map making) in the Second World War room in the cellars.

 Like I said the cellars are creepy, I wandered around half expecting to see, feel, or hear something otherworldly.  I watch way too much Most Haunted.

After our tour of the house, we took a stroll around the amazing gardens and woodlands.

Then we found a nice, sucluded spot and had a picnic.  It was one of those idyllic moments you hope to have.

I was once told by a very good friend, Mrs F, that to make the most of your NT membership you need to visit at least 6 venues, as of Saturday our July 2013-July 2014 count is 6, I think we've made our annual quota.

1.  Waddeson Manor

2.  Stowe

3.  Waddeson Manor

4.  Buscot Park

5.  Basildon Park

6.  Hughenden Manor