Second on our list of National Trust properties to visit was the delightful Packwood House, just south east of Birmingham, and literally about a mile from Baddesley Clinton.
I've never been before, but it is known for it's Yew topiary garden, the main feature visitors remember.
The weather was very kind to us, a cloudless blue sky, fortunate really, as Packwood has lovely gardens and extensive grounds, and picnic tables near the car park too! I was totally knocked out by the place, it is lovely. The rooms are all a comfortable size, whilst still looking grand, you can easily imagine living there.
One of the bedrooms, it was dark inside, to conserve all the old fabrics I imagine, so only a few of my photos came out, as flash is forbidden. This bedroom had an ensuite bathroom, complete with big plastic spider in the bath. The bathroom is decorated in 1920's style, I believe.
Another bedroom, complete with lovely four poster bed!
The pic was slightly blurred due to the lighting, but I thought it was worth keeping as the bed is so nice!
The yew topiary and formal gardens, as viewed from the house, actually from a little room above the original front door. I haven't tampered with this shot in any way, the grass really was that green!
A dipping pool in the grounds, it appeared to be filled by a dogs head shaped fountain in the little stone building at the back.
There are lots of sundials at Packwood, good job it was a sunny day! This is one of the smaller, and I think prettier, ones.
Lovely wrought iron gates from the walled garden to the croquet lawn.
At the top of the topiary garden there is a green monolith, a little circular path that you walk round, until you find yourself at the base of a tree, which has been clipped into the shape of an umbrella. There are chairs and a table and a lovely view. This is the spiral path tree, viewed from the back;
This is the view from the top;
More gratuitous topiary shots;
Intriguing holes in the wall were for keeping bee hives in!
I loved Packwood, it was small enough to live in yet large enough to have a presence. the gardens are beautiful, the guides are pleasant and enthusiastic, I will be back!
Comments