Taking granddaughter home and returning back within a day is quite a long round trip. We took a picnic lunch to share on arrival, and then walked into the local town where all three of us had a delicious ice cream at an Italian galateria - we then bid our fond farewells.
To break the journey home we visited Ascott House and gardens in Buckinghamshire - a former c16th hunting lodge
Ascott was donated the the National Trust in 1949 by Anthony de Rothschild, a member of the same family who donated Waddesden - a French Renaissance style chateau. The property is filled with several outstanding collections including Oriental porcelain, c17th Dutch Master paintings and works by Gainsborough, Reynolds and Stubbs. The house also has some rare and exquisite items of c18th English and French furniture. Unfortunately photography is not permitted within the property as it is still lived in during the winter months by members of the Rothschild family.
The back of Ascott
Time was of the essence, we managed only a quick wander around the immediate garden before resuming our journey home
The south lawn takes in views across the landscape beyond
The topiary above is a sundial, but on that day the sun remained hidden in cloud
The sunken garden
Herbaceous Walk
We barely scratch the surface of the many different garden areas, but will call again.
