We think we are very fortunate to live so near to Chatsworth House and its beautiful location in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District (often referred to as the Palace of the Peak). For those who do not know Chatsworth let me explain, whilst it is our most visited Stately Home in the U.K. it is much more than just a Stately Residence. Majestic gardens, spectacular water features, spacious parkland and acres of woodlands…add to that an extensive estate outside the park and you start to realise the importance of the entire estate over the centuries.
The house is indeed splendid with a southerly outlook down to the Canal Pond and Emperor Fountain (a fountain fed by natural water pressure).
Surrounded by open gardens it truly is a special location surrounded as it is by mature trees and spacious lawns…….
The Woodlands feature strongly as an integral part of the garden with lots of pathways to explore…….
Paxton, the architect and Landscaper famous for the original Glass Pavilion of Crystal Palace also played a big part in this gardens construction. Today a Maze is located on the foundations of an original Glass Pavilion that resembled Crystal Palace, both now lost to time. But you can still imagine it shear size by tracing the outline of this walled garden and maze….
Paxton’s legacy to Chatsworth is perhaps best seen today in his creative construction of the Rock Garden, Strid and Pond…..
The Cascades, where water from reservoirs on the moors tumble down from a Water Temple at the summit of a tier of steps towards the House, are perhaps the most remembered garden feature for many visitor….
Add the more ornate Garden Constructions, as here surrounding the Dukes Rose Garden and Conservatory, and you see that variety is the spice of Chatsworth’s gardens….
Our visit today was to enjoy the colours of autumn in the woods and gardens. We were not disappointed so share with us a few more images from the day…
To add to the natural beauty and imagery created by nature today was an added attraction……Take a close look at the image of the Canal Pond below and note the Sculpture on the left. Just one of 20 large and very different sculptures on exhibition in the gardens. MORE of these tomorrow when I take you on a Sculpture Tour of some of the exhibits….please join us then.
26th October
© David Oakes 2013
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 