The Washerwoman

Monday 6 December 2010

The House That Nearly Died


This interesting notice caught my attention yesterday on arrival at Barrington Court. This stunning 16th Century Manor House was the location for a Christmas Antiques Fair organised by Chasty Cottage Fairs.


What an incredible setting for an event!


I could barely set up my stand without resisting the temptation to take some photographs. Part of my stand was within the old fireplace, fortunately I had taken plenty of lamps to light the space. At 10 am the customers started to pour in. I was kept busy until after lunch when I took the opportunity to explore and take some more piccies.


Below is the view into the courtyard with its frozen pond. There are newer parts to the house that were restored in the 1920's by the Lyle Family. The property had fallen into terrible disrepair in the previous century and was almost derelict in 1907 when the National Trust bought it.



The foggy morning gave it real atmosphere, it reminded me of a film from 2001 called The Others. It certainly could have been filmed here!



If you get the chance to visit  Barrington Court, the gardens are also something very special. Their design being influenced by Gertrude Jekyll. I certainly intend to make a special journey to see these gardens next year.


This last photograph was taken of the front of the house at about 8 am. I was struck by the similarity to a dolls house that I read about a few years ago. It was called Childs Court and can be seen here . Not only do the houses look the same. There is also the similarity that both houses were rescued and restored lovingly from a very poor state.


16 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

I too love Barrington Court. We didn't go to the Antiques Fair but were there last week for the Mistletoe Fair and thought how different it all looked to the times we have visited in the summer. Hope your stall sold a lot and that it was a worthwhile day for you?

Jane

christine said...

great post lizzie, it sent shivers up my spine... i also loved 'the others' with our nic....
:))

Vintage Tea Time said...

Lovely, atmospheric pictures - as you say, a great setting for a Fair. What an interesting place - glad its been 'saved' and used. I'd like to see the gardens in the spring / summer. Thanks for showing us.

Trixie@ the vintage bothy said...

The picture of the pond has a certain zen like quality to it.
The house and grounds are certainly verging on gothic, very atmospheric.

BusyLizzie said...

Thank you for your comments, I had a good day selling and look forward to Chasty Cottage's next event in Sherborne on the 8th of January.

Country Cottage Chic said...

What a lovely setting for a fair Lizzie - very atmospheric!

Jayne
x

WinnibriggsHouse said...

Thanks for the comment. I am glad you were able to do your fair and hope that it was successful for you.

A Mermaid's Tale said...

I have visited Barrington Court many times, it's lovely in all seasons but especially in the Autumn when the apple and pear trees in the pretty orchard are laden with fruit. You can even buy the fruit to take home, wonderful old English varieties not sold in the shops. Great bunches of mistletoe hang in the apple trees too.
I've just remembered a visit I made this spring, and I tell you I have never seen such a profusion of the most delicate pink cherry blossom as on the tree outside the entrance tea room. It was like a froth of pink candy floss!

Jill said...

What a stunning location for the Fair! Keep meaning to visit as it is not too far from us! Hope it was successful for you.
Jillx

Hesta Nesta said...

What a beautiful and atmospheric setting for an antiques fair. Lovely photographs Lizzie, you really capture the essence of the place. I would love to visit one day.
Jo xx

Corinne Phillips said...

What an inspirational place to have a Fair. The photos are beautiful.

Sea Angels said...

What a fabulous treat... hope you had a fabulous fair...
Hugs Lynn xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Lizzie, no I didnt see that show, didnt even know about it! Wish I had seen it though. Barrington court looks a fabulous place. I wouldnt mind having it for myself....

Purrfect Haven said...

I adore Barrington... wish I could have made it to the fair.. they have a number. Have you eaten lunch in the restaurant - wonderful, I love the vege they grow too. Love Helen xx

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

I have only had the pleasure of strolling around the grounds of this grand house but it was a memorable day and a beautiful garden to visit in the summer. Make note to self.. must return again one day.

Michele xx

Kitsch and Curious said...

Beautiful photos! I know I've been to Barrington Court, but in my old age, all these National Trust houses seem to blur and overlap...