16 May 2009 - Dyrham

A first visit to the Dyrham Park estate in the care of the National Trust.

Approaching the house. It is a 15 minute walk from the car park.

The house dates from the late 17th Century. The house was built by William Blathwayt who inherited the estate in 1686 through his marriage to Mary Wynter.

The courtyard between the west and east wings of the house.

I think this courtyard was originally the stable yard.

The western aspect of the house from the formal gardens.

Herb Robert

The stable block

The church of St Peter which dates from the mid 13th century.

Nut walk, an avenue of Hazels.

The lower pool.

The eastern facade of the house.

Fallow deer in the park.

A bit of careful stalking allowed me to get a closer look.

Looking back from the path back to the car.

On top of the hill is Neptune’s Statue. There was originally a large fountain here.

A closer look at the house and the countryside beyond.