After a nightmare of a journey due to M3 delays from as far back as Bracknell, we finally reached Sevenoaks, Kent to visit NTrust Ightham Mote. (pronounced Eye Tam Mot)
Our first visit here, and really enjoyable. Not vast, but we managed to see most of it in the 3 hours which we had allowed to visit, enroute to see family later in the day.
Built in 14th century, this house was owned by Medevial Knights to wealthy Victorians. To avoid its demolition in 1950's 3 local men bought it for £5,500 but could not afford its upkeep. They soon resold it to a wealthy American for the same amount, but who for tax reasons could not live in it permanently. He paid for its upkeep for 20 years. Following his death he bequeathed it to the National Trust. It was in a sorry state, and the NT spent £10m to return it to the beautiful building it is is today. WOW!
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| The Lake with house in the distance |
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| Detail on the bridge, with the house in the distance |
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| The doors at the entrance to the courtyard across the moat |
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| Inside the courtyard |
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| Inside the courtyard |
There are several garden areas, including a couple of walled gardens.
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| View of the house from within the vegetable garden |
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| In the walled Vegetable Garden. Seen him before somewhere! |
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| The beautiful Lavender edged path leads into the walled garden. |
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| Alstromeria pick up on the roof colouring |
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| Bright yellow Achilleas with purple Salvia and rust Heleniums |
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| Anthemis |
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| Artist at work on the raised lawn borders |
Highly recommend a visit to this lovely property, but be careful if you have young children. There are a few ponds, indeed we witness one 5 year old running from the lawn straight into a pool. She didn't notice it! She was fine, but rather shocked to find herself soaked from head to toe. Poor kid.
