Yes, it is true one family has lived at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire for some 900 years…… and that family is the Curzon’s.
It has to be said that the current house, is not the original, the one you see to-day only dates back to 1759! But the Curzon’s have resided in a manor house on this spot for 6 centuries before Robert Adam was appointed Architect and created this stunning Neo-Classical Mansion… and gosh it does have some style.
It is also double fronted. Above is the main entrance to the hose and is the North Front. It is mirrored on each side of the main building by near identical wings. But go to back and far from a utilitarian facade you are greeted with an equally stunning South Front.
Stone staircases sweep you up to a doorway which in turn is set between giant columns and inset with fine Greek style sculpture’s.
The Gardens are not as formal as many would expect for such a great house but were designed to be an extension to the large park land that makes up much of the estate that is Kedleston (I think the gardens would probably be described as Pleasure Gardens). Despite this larger informal setting they still offer some intimate and colourful corners to explore….
Tucked away behind the West Wing is the Curzon Families and the Estate Church of All Saints, a fine example of Medieval Design. Inside the Church are many monuments and carved effigies that tell vividly the Curzon family history.
The House and Estate has been in the care of the National Trust for the past 25 years……. but the Curzon conections live on as members of the Family continue to live in the East Wing.
Cream Tea on the Front Lawn….certainly! The Trust once had a rather stuffy and dare I say condescending attitude of ‘don’t touch’ and stay well within restrict bounds. Thankfully they are joining the 21st century and are a ‘little’ more relaxed. But even so I was surprised and very pleased to see Tea on the front Lawn…what ever next!
22nd May….and with temperatures of 25c Summer must be here.
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 