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| Knightshayes Court |
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| Tyntesfield |
Over the past few days our explorations have turned Gothic.
Gothic
Revival is such a wonderfully grand imaginative style with houses crammed with
carved wood and stone, painted ceilings and colour. As we traveled down the
country we came to Knightshayes Court and Tyntesfield Manor, both commissioned by
wealthy Victorians craving a bit of Medieval wonder. They were both breathtaking
in their own rights but I have been told that Cardiff Castle is Burgess’ ultimate
triumph where his wings were clipped in his plans for Knightshayes. With only eight
days left it’s not possible to visit Cardiff Castle this time but next time I
am in England I will have to make a pilgrimage there.
Castle Drogo has to be a favorite. Built in the early 20
th
Century it is austere yet completely inviting. The name of Edwin Lutyens will
stand next to Burgess in my admiration. He has a simpler less fussy style,
grander in its own bare and monumental way. There is less of the fairytale in
Lutyens architecture but his dressed stone interiors and sweeping statements
lead on to small comfortable rooms which were livable and inviting.
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| Wall Sconce Castle Drogo |
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| Gargoyle at Nightshayes Court |
Lanhydrock later in the day unveiled its own splendors but
was a house to be seen in and I think not one to love in the same way. I was
still thrilled by the wonderful old gatehouse and the topiary and the stepped
garden spaces which were delightful.
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| Lanhydrock Gatehouse |
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| Lanhydrock Courtyard |
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| Lanhydrock Long Gallery |
The sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail in all of
these houses was spectacular. As well as artistic inspiration I am looking at
each with an eye of how I can incorporate them into my own ideas. In a few years’
time Nik and I will start to design our own house and though we don’t have the
huge budgets that these people had we have the imagination to hopefully create
something very special and unique to us.
