Belton House 30th August 2017

Belton House in Lincolnshire is a well maintained country house managed now by the National Trust.

Behind the fine house there are a range of outbuidlings, now made over to restaurants and retail outlets, and more importantly superb gardens in the Dutch and Italian styles, a giant Lebanon Cedar, a magnificent orangery and walks in the grounds to two tree lined lakes.

Kirby Hall 27th August 2017

 

Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire is managed by English Heritage. It is a home built to impress, but never quite fulfilled its potential as Elizabeth 1st never visited and the owner died before it was completed

The huge bow windows, unique at the time for being round, are the outstanding feature and a clear statement of wealth.

What is left does give a clear impression of what a fine house it was. The elegant parterre garden, however, is fully restored.