Gail’s Garden and English Country House Tour
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 40px; line-height: 30px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>W e recently had a client who was coming on an Antiques Diva UK Buying Tour and wanted to see some of the English countryside as well. She emailed us and asked if we had any recommendations on which castles, gardens, and quaint places to see. Well of course we do! Enter our UK Diva Agent, Gail McLeod. Gail knows the Cotswolds like the back of her hand, and since the client was flying into Heathrow and wanted to go straight from there, Gail put together a list of sights to see that I want to share with you below of gorgeous gardens and English Country Houses to see on your next trip to England.
There are a large number of wonderful gardens in the Cotswolds, many being owned by the National Trust which lists a summary on its website.
Prince Charles’ most wonderful garden is now open by appointment to the public. Highgrove is one of the most creatively inspired gardens in England. It is composed of a series of distinct spaces, all connecting, which allow one to meander through the garden with the house always visible in the distance.
Hidcote
Kiftsgate Court Gardens is famous for the namesake Kiftsgate rose being bred here. This is a truly gorgeous house and garden particularly in mid-June to early July when the roses burst into bloom and cover much of the gardens.
Sezincote is one of the UK’s more remarkable country estates with a beautiful parkland setting. The house was built by the man who built Brighton Pavilion. The architecture is in the Mogul Style of Rajasthan, with a central dome, minarets, peacock-tail windows, jail-work railings, and pavilions. It truly is a sight to behold!
Iford Manor is a miniature Italianate manor house on the edge of Bath with a world class garden designed by Harold Petoe. It was the World Heritage Garden of the Year a few years back. It’s quite impressive!
Finally, Tyntesfield is the full package with a magnificent historic house and gardens. With its Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, the house is a magical place allowing one to step into the past. It is often quite busy on the weekends so if you can go during the week, that would be ideal.
It is important to note that some of these privately owned gardens are only open on specific days so you should always check the opening times for everything before planning your trip. Regardless of whether you are able to see all of these gardens and houses, you will have a marvelous time exploring the English countryside!
When planning your next trip to England you can combine Antiques, Gardens, Country Houses and More! Email to:info@antiquesdiva.com” target=”_blank”>info@antiquesdiva.com to book an Antiques Diva® England Tour.
The Antiques Diva®
One Minute Diva – Art and Antique Weekend in Naarden-Vesting
“Oh Dear Me, Diva’s!” I was just checking my agenda, confirming my plans for tomorrow’s Diva’s Outing to Naarden with the IWC Amsterdam, when it occurred to me that in my travels abroad this last month I had completely forgotten to remind you to mark your calendars for this weekends “Kunst & Antiek Weekend in Naarden-Vesting”!
Nederlanders, take this “One Minute Diva” as a last minute reminder to pop over to Naarden-Vesting for The Art and Antiques Weekend held January 24 – 27, 2008 in De Grote Kerk. You’ll recall from The Antiques Diva™ blog on La Table that this sensational locale is one of my favorite towns in the whole of Holland! If you’ve a moment to spare, then you won’t want to miss this 11th annual event known as much for its high-quality antiques as for being an entrée point into the art world for new and upcoming antique dealers and galleries!
But don’t take my word for it – go and see for yourself. And while you’re at it, mark 
your calendars in advance for another fair held this spring, April 17 – 20, 2008. Authentiek will be held on the grounds of the Paleis Het Loo, proving that you can get a dose of castle culture and a garden tour while antique and art shopping!
Until Next Time,
The Antiques Diva ™
