Chatsworth

 Today, we drove into Derbyshire to visit Chatsworth, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Ever since Ian and I visited Blenheim about 26 years ago, we said we wanted to see Chatsworth. It was definitely worth waiting 26 years.

The journey there was almost as good as the destination. No motorways this time, just rolling English fields and cute little villages. Chatsworth takes your breath away when you see the house for the first time. It is huge and majestic and is set in the most beautiful grounds. The tour of the house is through the major rooms which are ornate and overwhelming. They say a lot about the need for these aristocratic families to demonstrate their power through their enormous houses.

The gardens were as impressive as the house. Each duke left their mark on the estate by adding a new feature to the grounds. However, over the years, the highly structured gardens have been replaced by much more natural additions so that the garden is like a really well planned forest.

After we finished our visit, we had a late lunch at the Farm Shop Cafe. We sat outside in the sun eating the farm produce and looking over the beautiful landscape. There was even a church spire in the distance. It doesn't get more English than that.