After morning dog walks in the forest, I waited for the gardner to arrive. He would be on site till early afternoon and so I could have a longer excursion as doggies would have company.
The ride to the National Trust listed, 1700's mansion is through some hills with a long steep 4km climb towards the end. The views were beautiful over the Somerset rolling hills.
The Stourhead mansion was built by "Henry (the Magnificent) Hoare (such a cool name) a London banker who built the spectacular 1000+ acre gardens complete with a man made lake, a series of buildings to enjoy the lake such as the Pantheon, Temple of Apollo, Temple of Flora, a grotto, boat house and bridge. There are sculptures inspired by his love of ancient Greek architecture. The gardens are just coming into spring bloom.
The Mansion was one of the first Palladian Style Villas built in England.
The house has been lived in by members of the Hoare family for over 300 years and still is today. The Hoare family still run a private bank based in London. A descendant actually arrived for the weekend from her London house while I was there, she is in her 70's and occupies an apartment of the house.
There were many people visiting this piece of well preserved history. It is a peaceful, tasteful piece of paradise 😊
My last day house sitting two doggies and a chicken. It really is a privilege to be trusted with a home and precious pets.
Relaxing on the lounge in front of a fire with a dog either side 😊
Tomorrow I head off bicycle touring and some trains with the bike. A few hills to conquer first 😂
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