Calke Abbey - up close

Like any stately home, Calke Abbey looks impressive as you approach it ....but get really close and the effects of time and weather can be seen.....

The buildings have been preserved as they were when the National Trust took them over, rather than restored to pristine newness.
























This fantastic glass roof isn't in the house - but the Orangery!

I just love the different colours showing on these 'un-restored' walls - with its blues and browns it almost looks like a map.

And there's such amazingly detailing here - at a height where I'm sure very few people would have noticed it!