From today's Journal, an article about staying the night in an English garden. Sounds lovely, and who does not love an English garden?
If any of you have stayed in any of these places, I'd welcome comments re: your experience(s).
http://www.wsj.com/articles/7-ways-to-spend-the-night-in-a-classic-english-garden-1434140180
Wonderful article, Margaret. Thanks for posting! I have been to Sissinghurst, but did not spend the night there. Gorgeous gardens.
The county of Kent, to the south of London, is a great area to visit for gardens and country houses. The article has left out one of the best. Hever Castle, 30 minutes to the south of London, was the home of the Boleyn family and Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry the 8th. Hever has beautiful gardens, and especially is known for its rose garden. You can stay on the property in beautiful cottage quarters behind the house. I have visited Hever several times, but have not stayed there overnight. Easy to reach from London by train. There is an excellent cafe.
http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/
Nearby is the country home of Winston Churchill, Chartwell, in the village of Westerham. One can visit Mrs. Churchill's gardens, and the greenhouse, where Winston Churchill sat to do paintings of all types of flowers. Many of his paintings are on display throughout the house. I enjoyed my visit here because I got to see some of his paintings. You cannot spend the night there, but there is a cafe.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell/
Also in Kent, in the village of Sevenoaks, near to the first two is Ightham Mote, a house that is part medieval, with Tudor additions. It is surrounded by a moat and has a beautiful garden. You cannot spend the night there, but there is a cafe.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote/
Also in Sevenoaks is the fabulous medieval/Tudor house, Knole. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden. It houses an extensive art collection, and collection of tapestries. You cannot spend the night there, but there is a cafe.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole/
I have visited both of these houses, and they are worth the trip out from London.
We did not stay at any of the places recommended by Rebecca, but can highly recommend visits to all. Sissinghurst was spectacular, but the photos of gardens I look at most from our 2013 visit are from Hever. I would recommend those gardens, the castle, and any chance to stay there, over Sissinghurst.
Rebecca & Kay,
Thank you! If we plan a trip to England, I'll check out Hever :)
