On Monday we went on a trip to an historic house at Sand, East Devon organised by the Combe History Society of which Neil is a member. It is most unusual for us to take time out, let along on a Monday!!
From its website it gives the following information. “An historic house lived in by the family who have owned it and shared their history with it for over 500 years; a tranquil garden in an idyllic setting – In its peaceful East Devon valley, this historic stone house is set in about 6 acres of varied gardens. Gardens in which to relax, to wander round corners, to gaze at the views, to sit and watch the birds. A sun baked terrace, shady woodland, lawns and borders – something for everyone.
The family house is principally Elizabethan. the resident members of the family Stephen and Stella Huyshe-Shires, provide guided tours showing a wealth of period interior features as well as an adjacent mediaeval hall house. They tell of the history, of the delights and difficulties and the unexpected aspects of living in and maintaining an historic house.”
We had a guided tour of the house and were told of the history which went back to Edward de Sand in the 1200’s.
This fireplace is in the main chamber and dates from 1500 when the design was very fashionable. It is rumoured that Catherine of Aragon stayed there on her way from Plymouth to London to marry the brother of Henry VIII, who died after 6 months, and she later married Henry VIII. There is a stained glass panel of her coat of arms in the grand hall.
We also wandered around the gardens which were really lovely.
They had these really big poppies in both red
and pink.
One of our group was in a wheel chair and the terrain around the gardens wasn’t exactly suitable, so Neil got involved in helping to push.
All in all it was a really interesting afternoon out. If you want to visit Sand yourself, why not stay at our B&B which is less than half an hour’s drive away?
http://www.lodgehousebandbsomerset.co.uk
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lodgehousebandbsomerset 