Take-away toilets!

Posted on July 1, 2015 by jfb57

We recently visited a National Trust property and before setting off from the car park I thought I would make myself comfortable by spending a penny.

They were situated in a porta cabin but they announced that they were The Royal Flush!

Now, I don’t know about you but I don’t like using these facilities really. They are often smelly with wobbly seats, no water and a ton of paper strewn across the floor but needs must so I ascended the stairs.

What a surprise!

It was a bit like a TARDIS experience. For those of you not familiar with Dr Who it is a building that appears small on the outside but when you enter it is much larger than expected. In this case it was much posher that my previous experience of these facilities. I was so taken with them that I had to take some photos!
Note the real toilet together with a flush! the floor was clean and notice the picture for decoration on the back wall.

Washing your hands, an activity often missing from the ‘old loos’ was a delight!

Running water, mirrors, soap and towels!

Definitely take away toilets with a difference!

An afternoon at Montecute house

Posted on April 14, 2015 by jfb57

This afternoon was supposed to be spent reviewing a new menu from a Beefeater restaurant but it was chaos so we took shelter in Montecute House which is near Yeovil. We have visited several times before but it never fails to bring some peace to the visitor.

It’s imposing frontage tells you that important happenings occurred here. Completed in 1601 it is a wonderful example of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture.

The gardens are formal in design and there is a very wobbly yew hedge that feels like it should tell a story but that is just the way it grows!.

As it was still March the flower borders were just coming to life although this tulip was trying to hide from the camera I’m sure!

This is what it will look like once it gets over it’s shyness!

Snowdrops and HP!

Posted on February 3, 2015 by jfb57

After such a busy week-end before my birthday, I was looking forward to a quiet,chilled out day. I wanted to visit Laycock Abbey as they had an exhibition of sculptures in the grounds

For those who don’t know, not only is Laycock a National Trust property but it was also the home of Fox Talbot, the creator of the first photographic negative in 1835. There is a museum to explain and celebrate his achievements and some very strange but interesting pieces of equipment in the grounds.

Although it was still January, the real snowdrops were making a gallant effort to bloom so that they were not over shadowed by the intruding artwork.

The pieces were scattered in the grounds and in the Abbey which was used for the Harry Potter films.

It was a wonderful laid-back visit with some of nature and man’s beauty combined. Of course, we also had cake but then it was my birthday!

13 Challenges – #9 / 11 Barrington Court

Posted on October 8, 2013 by jfb57

Another jewel in the National Trust’s crown is Barrington Court. Nestled in the Somerset countryside (we had to manoeuvre our way down many narrow, winding lanes) it is a delight.

The imposing manor house is empty – yes, they have taken all the furniture and paintings out. This gives you the chance to really see the house as it was built. The gardens are also interesting, even in the rain!

When we visited there was an exhibition of sculptures around the house. One that really took the eye was what was the kitchen full of willow arches.

The display below shows those and some of the other interesting features.

13 Challenges Tintinhull Garden

Posted on August 22, 2013 by jfb57

The National Trust has a wonderful way of acquiring the most lovely small properties that are so delightful.

Tintinhull Garden, near Yeovil, is a perfect example. There is a house with 2 rooms you can visit but it is the garden that people go to see. It is set out in a series of ‘rooms’ which was the brainchild of it’s architect Phyliss Reiss in 1933. It is the sort of place you can visit throughout the year as each season will bring different colours and plants top enjoy.

This is another in the 13 Challenges series. Do check out the tab at the top to find out more!

13Challenges – #9 / 9 Emmetts Garden

Posted on August 20, 2013 by jfb57

Emmetts Garden is a wonderful National Trust property, in Kent. It has lots of rare and exotic plants as well as a number of feature gardens – rock / rose. As with all NT places, there is a tea room and the one here is situated towards the end of the garden and over looks the Weald of Kent.

We have been on a number of occasions but this time there were new creatures around! These brilliant willow sculptures just added to our visit! Fabulous!