We picked up our rental car, bid farewell to London, and headed out to the English countryside challenging David's adventurous driving skills. Our first stop was
The Barnsley House, a Cotswolds country retreat and the personal gardens of
Rosemary Verey. Rosemary was a prolific garden writer and garden designer from about 1970 to 2000. She wrote numerous books such as
The English Country Garden and she designed gardens for many including Elton John and HRH the Prince of Wales.
The Barnsley House is currently a hotel and spa but fans of Rosemary Verey may come and visit the gardens which continue as she originally laid them out.
This was our first day driving out into the English countryside and it was fun to get to see such a lovely home and garden. We arrived early and stretched our legs walking the garden.
The house was originally built in 1697 as a Rectory.
The veggie garden with rhubarb and such gorgeous large garden cloches.
The poppies were just a wee bit past but there were a few flowers still hanging on.
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To visit the gardens, one must pay an admission or be a guest of the hotel or restaurant. We were here on a Sunday and chose to have Sunday luncheon here at The Potager restaurant.
Isle of Wight tomato, ricotta, pinenuts & croutons
Beetroot carpaccio, goats curd, apple & hazelnuts. Really, too beautiful to eat!
Seasonal Soup of Tomato, Basil, Radish.
Serenity and beauty around every corner.
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Serenity and beauty around every corner.
I know from experience, you are the best trip planner ever! Your itinerary includes something of special interest for everyone in the family! Our first self-catering cottage stay in 1998 was in the tiny village of Calcot, with no shops or pubs. We passed by the Barnsley House several times as we drove along the beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful gardens and beautiful food....
ReplyDeleteThat beet root plate is something I would really love. Very clever bread and EVOO station...
Thanks for sharing your visit to the Barnsley gardens and their food presentations.
Gorgeous everything! The soup especially sounded delicious! How I would love seeing this garden, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved a stop at the Barnsley House and Gardens - and even spending a night there. How wonderful that you got to tour the gardens and have lunch there.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely! What a great trip you had!
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