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Houghton Hall is a large estate of more than 1,000 acres. After spending over an hour in the house, I wanted to see it all. Ed, my husband (the one with the sore foot), was much more interested in sitting in the shade on a hot afternoon than tramping through the stables, the sculpture park, the lawns, the walled garden, and the wilderness. But I was determined!
After the current Marquess of Cholmondeley inherited his title and estates in 1990, he began plans to open the house to the public and to create news gardens in honor of his grandmother, Sybil Sassoon, Marchioness of Cholmondeley (1894-1989). She was the wartime superintendent of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) and held other important posts.
In the walled gardens are many beautiful “rooms” with various flowers and vegetables, pergolas, and sculptures, both ancient and contemporary. all joined by grassy paths and perfectly maintained. More than 150 varieties of roses can be found, though I didn’t count.
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The stables date from 1735 and may have been designed by William Kent. Now they are open for visitors, but without their former residents!
On display throughout the gardens are various contemporary works of art, including the Waterflame by artist Jeppe Hein. A rather astonishing column of water shoots into the air carrying an active fire. I can only guess at how it is accomplished; it’s certainly unique among fountains I’ve seen anywhere.
In addition to the Hall, the pictures always there and those on special display, the gardens, the sculptures, and the stables, we enjoyed the tea room and the fantastic collection of the sixth Marquess’s model soldiers, in which no pictures were allowed, sadly. Those displays alone would be worth the trip!
To finish off our day at Houghton Hall, our taxi driver appeared right on time and drove us to the Victoria Hotel at nearby Holkham Hall, where the next adventure awaited us. Our confidence in the Kindness of Strangers was indeed fulfilled. Ed was delighted to have a restful night, but I wonder how much walking he anticipated for the next day? Maybe he had nightmares!!
Did you seen any of the white deer? I had a wonderful morning at Houghton Hall years ago when I was researching My Lady Scandalous. The archivist had actually discovered some letters pertaining to Grace Dalrymple Elliott that he had not seen before. Exciting! I also got the chance to meet the handsome and charming Marquess and we had a pleasant talk 🙂 Gorgeous estate, just simply gorgeous, and your photos are wonderful, Vicky!