Again to Lilford

 

It's usually this time of year when I think about retreating to the refreshing damp greenery of England. I admit I would rather be there sometimes than even the warmest of destinations. While we do have a winter warm-up break planned, I can't resist looking back at our stay in Northamptonshire in February last year. We travelled to Oundle, the ancient market town bordering on Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. I am convinced the prestigious Oundle School was the inspiration for Harry Potter.

 

The highlight of our visit, was a drive through the countryside to see the Jacobean beauty, Lilford Hall (again).  As I have posted previously (see here), my great-great grandfather was the head gardener here. The current owners have been restoring the property and have made some excellent progress. Yes, I wish I lived in an English country manor house too!



 

~ Please visit Lilford Hall's website to learn more about its incredible history! ~

 



My Own Downton Abbey

This weekend Andrew and I will be sinking our teeth into the latest season of Downtown Abbey that we recorded last Sunday. I thought I would share the connection to my own Downton Abbey-type estate with you! Here are some photos from when I last visited. 

The estate is Lilford Hall, located in Northamptonshire, England.  My great-great grandfather, William Smith, worked at the estate for many years as a gardener. The current owners have been very committed to the restoration of the Hall - an ambitious and admirable undertaking.

A postcard of the image above hangs proudly in our upstairs hallway along with a page from Country Life Magazine featuring the property for sale years ago. 

A few years ago, I purchased two plots of land in the walled garden to support the restoration project and  in remembrance of where my ancestor had once put his hands to the earth. We’ll be heading up there this year in late autumn and I can’t wait.

My ancestor, William Smith, pictured below with his wife, Mary Ann Roberts, outside their cottage in Lilford-cum-Wigsthorpe. 

(Photo via, our family's private collection) 

Check out Lilford Hall's website for more information on the estate's history and incredible images of the Jacobean architecture! Also, the owner has produced a PBS documentary about its history that you can watch here.

Return to Lilford Hall

My great-great grandfather was the head gardener at this stately property. Recently we went to pay the hall a little visit and captured it's Jacobean beauty from the banks of the River Nene.

The current owners are embarking on a large restoration project at Lilford Hall and have offered several plots of the formal gardens up for sale to help generate funds for the project. If you have ever dreamed of owning a piece of the majestic English countryside, your opportunity has come. Visit www.lilfordhall.com for the history and details on this magnificent property.