Trip to Mottisfont House, Hampshire

It rains whenever we go to a National Trust property. This trip to Mottisfont was no exception. Stourhead was a complete washout as I said in my previous blog, now we arrive and within 5 minutes the heavens open and we are scurrying for shelter from one tree to another. We, Susan, Jenson and I, finally gave up and headed to the Kitchen Stable Cafe for a much-needed coffee and somewhere dry to wait out the downpour. The standout feature of this was the Victoria Sponge cake just inviting you to try a huge slice, I was strong and resisted and this is something I will regret for a long time. The coffee was good and the atmosphere was casually restful.

After the rain abated we went in search of the walled garden, well the kitchen garden part, as dogs are not allowed in the formal walled garden. I blame the National Trust, in one room of the house are photos taken of Maud Russell in 1934 surrounded by her three dogs sitting in the walled garden. Enough grumping.

Those gardeners certainly know how to grow vegetables. The onions were large, when we think of a large onion it will easily fit in your hand, not these, the biggest was about 6 inches in diameter. The broad beans are at least a foot long, but their chills are not that great, I have better in my garden. I was surprised at the variety of lettuce, more of a lettuce bush, will definitely grow some next year. 

House, smaller than it looks. I have been fortunate to have seen grand houses such as Kingston Lacy in Dorset and Hardwick Hall in Chesterfield and not to forget Stourhead in Wiltshire. The house is quite sparsely furnished and there are a few paintings on the walls but nothing to write home about. I was interested in seeing the Cellurium. The original building was built in 1201 and was an Augustinian priory, the Cellurium is what is left of the original building as the new owner redesigned the priory into a house, incorporating much of the original structure into living space. After touring the house I forgot about the Cellurium. Pity as I was about 5 meters away from the entrance but missed it completely. Maybe another visit is called for.

One special moment was from a Chinese girl, I would say about 11 or 12, was asked by one of the room guides if she was enjoying the visit to the house. She replied that she was, they arrived two weeks ago and this was the best part of her trip so far. Not unusual you might think but she spoke perfect English. I admire her parents. Can you imagine any of the British children doing that?

The gardens and river Test that flows through the property were immaculate, as you would expect from the National Trust. 

Susan had been told to look out for the trout in the river and they did not disappoint us, could have had a wonderful game of Pooh sticks while admiring the fish. Hopefully, you can see the trout in the photo I have added.

Rain came back and we decided it was time to head home. We took the road less travelled, from the top of the New Forest to the bottom, out over the Avon Causeway. The forest was dark and foreboding, as a forest should look and a must if the day is hot, you will find nature's coolness in abundance. 

Just a thought, does anyone know where mosquitoes go when summer ends?

Tomorrow the sun will shine - a good thing?

What kind of socks does a Panda Bear wear? They don’t, they go Bearfoot