So, there is a big impressive gate as you enter the estate and beautiful shade gardens through the woods. After a pit stop to get tickets, there's a 3 mile drive up to the parking for the house. The estate is a lot bigger than I realized. The drives from location to location on the estate are miles apart ... and the estate is far smaller at 8,000 acres than it was at some 100-something acres it originally was. Amazing to consider.
We decided to walk through a wooded path rather than take the shuttle to the house. As we approached, there are some fountains just opposite the house.
Looking the opposite direction, you see ...
At this point, we decided to split up. My husband (who had already been inside the house before) took our girls so I could go into the house. I walked up to the house and took some pictures of the beautiful details ...
Now here's a disappointing little fact ... No pictures are allowed inside the house. It is also very dark in certain areas of the house with curtains drawn and many of the windows are quite small. I imagine there is no photography and its kept dark for preservation purposes but since I did a fast-forward self-guided tour, I can't say for sure. I have to admit that its disappointing to spend so much to be left with only memories.
There are audio headsets that are free with admission but with this, the tour was expected to last 2 hours. I knew that with our girls, I had to move a lot faster than that before they get really bored and decide to let everyone know it - loudly. I was in and out of the house in 45 minutes.
I headed around the side of the house ....
You can see the amazing view in the distance. From inside the house, the views of the mountains are spectacular.
One of the small windows I mentioned.
Next, I headed to the gardens.
I found a little friend on my way. I know snails are considered pests but we only have shell-less slugs where I live.
More photos to come ...
P.S. Thank you all for the anniversary wishes!
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