Di's Days Out

Sezincote House

In May we had a day in Moreton-in-Marsh when we travelled to Sezincote. This is a private family run estate with a 200-year-old house built in the 'Indian Mogul’ style of Rajasthan, complete with minarets, peacock-tail windows, and jali-work railings. It is still lived in by the owners and is thought to be the only Mughal building surviving in Europe.

The beautiful landscaped garden has remained unchanged since the mid-19th century and features a series of spring-fed pools, connected by gurgling water which eventually tumbles into the Island Pool in the valley below, before joining the River Evenlode.

St Mary’s House

The day in June was very hot when we went to St. Mary’s House in Bramber which was built as an inn back in the 15th century. The guides did a wonderful job of giving very interesting talks about the history of the house including a unique Elizabethan ‘Painted Room’ with trompe l’oeil murals and a wonderful Victorian music room We all had our sunhats on for the guided tour of four beautiful gardens, followed by tea and cake. A very welcome end to a lovely day

Hammerwood Park

In July we went to Hammerwood Park, a quirky Georgian mansion, once owned by rock legend Led Zeppelin who intended to turn it into a recording studio. The estate is packed with fascinating history and just the right amount of eccentric charm. The tour led by its custodians was part theatre, part time travel brimming with character. We saw muralled rooms and an eclectic mix of pianos, organs, harps and cabinets of curios to look at. It’s not surprising that the estate is used regularly as a film location for TV, feature films, fashion and photography. A delightfully offbeat gem in the Sussex countryside!

Aylesford Priory

In August our guide in Aylesford told us about their beautiful priory called The Friars, which was founded by the Carmelites in 1242. In the grounds we saw one of the finest intact medieval courtyards in England, 17th-century thatched barns and a hostelry for pilgrims. This venerable oasis has changed use many times. After the Reformation, the monastery was converted into a stately home. It was used by Merchant bankers, Royalists during the Civil War, WW2 servicemen and even the leader of a Scout group, all of whom have left their mark. When the Carmelite family returned in the mid-20th century, they restored the gardens, built chapels and adorned them with distinguished ceramic artworks. After lunch we took a relaxing cruise along the River Medway.

Di Lewis