A Grand House

Our visit to Kedleston Hall on the North East side of Derby was not particularly planned. We had some spare time before the birthday party that we were in Derbyshire for and looked around for somewhere to go. The location of this National Trust property was ideal from where we were staying and also for where we were going to the party.

We stumbled upon a very grand house which is the family home of the Curzon family who still live rent free  in one wing containing 23 rooms part of which is visible on the left of this picture.

The current house dates from the 18th Century when a lot of the house and gardens were designed by a young architect who was at that stage still relatively unknown called Robert Adam.

I have a fair number of pictures to show, some taken by myself and some by student daughter. I will therefore today concentrate on those taken outside. 

The view from the front is over landscaped parkland which includes lakes, cascades and several architectural features. The day we visited there was a antiques fair in the grounds which rather altered the outlook.

On our way to view the Pleasure Grounds on the other side of the house we passed a curious sight at the bottom of a wall. I am not sure if this was its intentional position. 

The pleasure grounds include all the normal features including a ha ha. It's design prevents stock in the fields entering the gardens but allows an uninterrupted view out into the countryside.

A hexagonal summerhouse looking out on a fountain.

Woodland Avenues.

An orangery with farmer husband taking a rest.

Needless to say I tried a few framed views.

Later in the week I will show you a little of the grand interior.