We’ve written about Stratfield Saye on this blog before – you can read Victoria’s account of her previous visit to the property here. However, I had never been to the estate. Each time I’d visited England in the past it was during those periods when the family was in residence and the house had been closed to the public, so this was truly one of the highlights of the Tour for me.
One of the things that surprised me was that the entrance drive to the house cuts straight through the stable blocks. I’ve been to a fair number of stately homes and can honestly say that I’d never seen this configuration before.
From Wikimedia: Statue of horse and dragon, Stratfield Saye This bronze is missing St George. It was initially commissioned by George IV for St George’s Hall, Windsor, but wasn’t completed before the King’s death. It was bought by the second Duke of Wellington for £750 in 1865.
I treasure that day! It was such beautiful weather, showing the house and grounds at its best!