In the tradition of Downton Abbey, we took the opportunity to visit
Lanhdrock, a traditional manor house surrounded by 900 acres of
garden. The manor was razed by fired in the 1880s and rebuilt in the
manner of a classic Victorian country home.
The house was magnificent, and as expected the grandest rooms
were those reserved for entertaining, and interestingly, her
ladyship’s rooms which were much more lavish than her male
counterpart’s. The most fascinating rooms though, were those
associated with the kitchen – the kitchen areas had been fully
restored and displayed in working order. Some 8 rooms
encompassed the kitchens from the central cook’s domain with a
spit roast open fire so large that you could comfortably stand a few
people in it, to vegetable store and prep rooms, a dairy preparation
and separate storage rooms, a meat larder, a dry goods larder and a
cool room for setting of jellies, cheese storage and the like. And the
most superb display of copper saucepans, setting moulds, and
every conceivable piece of kitchen equipment. They gleamed as if
the cook and housekeeper had swept through on general inspection
moments earlier. Clearly the cook’s domain was vast. She would not
have been a woman to have messed with.
The gardens beautiful too, with classic formal Victorian beds around
the house and themed areas elsewhere. At the height of its time as
a working house the gardens provided for the whole household and
were serviced by a team of eleven gardeners.
Finishing off the picture was the chapel, and as luck would have it,
we arrived at the start of a wedding, so by the time we finished our
tour, were treated to the peals of church bells. Delightful.
We ended the day with dinner at the local pub, with a surprisingly
varied menu. Moussaka for me and a fisherman’s basket for Chris.
Quite yummy, and a great setting overlooking the sea. We were
farewelled by eight fat rabbits romping around the lawn in front of
the car park. Very hospitable, these English bunnies. Thoughtful
really.
Miss Baci Travels 