Christmas at Calke - 3 visits!

Three visits to the same National Trust property within a week or so may seem excessive but we went first in an evening to see the illuminated garden trail, back in day-time when the house and garden were open, and back for a final visit with grandson.

I particularly loved the outdoor illumination which seem to have increased since last year. Three sides of the house were illuminated with changing light-shows and accompanying music, among the trees were wild animals and their footprints , a scattering of snow-flakes, and another display of light and sound. Totally magical/

Back at the house, we headed for the tunnels which once made a hidden access between house and service quarters. These too were illuminated, with trees and woodland animals leading the way back to the old brewhouse and modern cafe and shop..

 

Going back to the house in daylight, we found it had been taken over by Calke's knitted Christmas mice, playing in the snow, decorating a tree, and cooking up a seasonal feast. A lovely whimsical take on decorations.

Chatsworth at Christmas

Christmas is always marvelous at Chatsworth - so much so that perhaps it's easy to dismiss it as 'what one expects', and not truly appreciate it.

Like any stately home they have the advantage of huge rooms, high ceilings, and space for decorations that would overwhelm any other space - tall Christmas trees, tunnels of light leading from one room to another - and it's always a spectacular display.

This year's theme was an enchanted forest with frosted trees, fairies, and the massive dining table becoming a frozen lake. My husband complained that it wasn't 'Christmassy' enough but I loved it.

While we'd been inside, night had fallen so it was the ideal time to explore the illuminated garden. I wasn't quite so impressed with the outdoor experience but any outdoor space becomes magical and mysterious when seen lit up after dark.

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November, December

When you hit November things start to slide rapidly towards Christmas; the next months disappear in a frenzy of shopping for presents and groceries.

  November started quietly with some sort of flu which kept me bedridden for several days and exhausted afterwards. 

Short walks near home got my energy back  in time for an exciting trip north. My daughter and boyfriend got engaged while on holiday in Italy and shortly afterwards an engagement blessing was held at Oldham Mandir. It's a beautiful building but I hadn't taken my phone along so the only photo I have is this taken by  husband. This time, fortunately, I had help with my sari and looked much more respectable, though I hardly dare move in it. The wedding won't be till 2027 but I'm beginning to think that time will be needed for planning!

Then it was time to get into the festive mood with trips to Christmas markets and illuminated houses and gardens = Calke Abbey, Chatsworth, Kedleston Hall, and Haddon Hall

This year I have a couple of advent calendars to help keep track of the days - a jigsaw puzzle (one small section each day) and a more traditional open-the-window style of a Pieter Breugel snowy scene.




Christmas has still sneaked up somehow unannounced with last minute shopping and present-wrapping.









 

October

 In comparison to some months, October was VERY busy - a trip to see the Glorious Nothings exhibition at Chatsworth, a short break in Suffolk, up to my daughter's (via Crowden Reservoir) to join in the Kali Puja celebrations, and a visit to Dunham Massey.

Back home there were more wedding fairs to be checked out. Although so far my daughter hasn't settled on a venue, I'm finding it an interesting way to see local properties which aren't normally open to the public

In the garden, autumn continued to advance (as you'd expect) but burrowing under the back fence by the compost bin was a glorious surprise - a passion flower! I'm told tat with luck it will survive winte and maybe even fruit next year. Fingers crossed!

Dunham Massey

A trip north to visit my daughter was the perfect excuse to nip into Dunham Massey gardens. They're lovely at any time of year and the end of October brought a mix of autumnal leaves and summer flowers hanging on despite falling temperatures.