Month: May 2020

There are probably many other reasons to visit Guernsey but the most visited attraction on the island is Victor Hugo’s House at 38 Hauteville House, St Peter Port; open most days. It’s important to book your conducted tour in advance as not all tours are necessarily in English. Be amazed at the decor – a unique creation in silk, china, mirrors, tapestries and wood, that embellish all four floors of this amazing place where Victor Hugo wrote many of his masterpieces during his self-imposed exile from the France of Napoleon III. The house and garden are substantial and look out over Havelet Bay and can be found after only a short walk (uphill) from the town. Very worthy of its inclusion among my Little Gems. Also worthy of mention is the Guernsey Museum / Art  Gallery located in Candie Gardens where, among the trees and flowers, is a statue of Victor Hugo.

Rome has lots to offer but Villa Borghese outshines everything in my book. Like many museums in Italy it’s a timed admission – 1½ hours max – and it will take at least two visits to see everything properly. My gem within a gem is Bernini’s sculpture of Apollo and Daphne on the ground floor – breath-takingly beautiful and dramatic – an instant in time captured in stone. Never imagined that a piece of art could actually move me to tears. Words can’t do it justice.

When you set out to visit this Elizabethan manor house it will be the “big house” of Poldark that you are looking forward to see, no doubt. Thereafter, it will remain in your memory as the most fascinating place you have ever set foot in. Not just for the edifice, its setting or contents, but for its history as recounted by the family members that continue to live there; a narrative which includes many personal and often hilarious episodes during their tenure. The contents become mere window dressing for the guided tour and some of the props from the numerous film and TV series that have been filmed there have been adopted to become permanent fixtures – and of course there are loads of photographs of the actors that have appeared therein. The tour concludes with tea and cake – served by members of the family. A true gem – an absolute must.

Scotney Castle is a magical place tucked away in a corner of Kent that’s full of this and other historic places of interest. I’ve picked this out as a “Little Gem”, although like many National Trust properties, its many virtues have to be discovered for oneself.

Its history dates back to the 14^th century at the time of the 100 Years War – a period that continues to fascinate me. Jonathan Sumption provides a very detailed account of events at that time – not just the battles and conflicts – but an insight into the very different modes of operation of the French and English monarchies at that time.

The modern house is interesting – loaded with history pertaining to the previous owners, the Hussey family. It has been described as very lived-in: a suggestion of, “Sorry you’ve just missed them. They’ve gone out for the day.” It’s fully furnished; dining room, library etcetera and there’s also a priest hole (unoccupied!).

The gardens are a treat, including a walled garden and some beautiful walks with superb specimens of trees.

And the old castle! What a beautiful setting.

Scotney Castle certainly deserves its place among “Little Gems”.