Category: Little Gems

Yet another Little Gem listed in the NT Handbook. This one is partly administered by them – the house itself administered by Lord Faringdon. Because of Covid-19 restrictions during 2020, this is only an interim entry. Hopefully, having the opportunity to visit the house in 2021, I’ll be able to complete this entry – justifiably earning entry into my “Little Gems” only at this stage on the strength of the grounds alone and the promise of what is yet to come.

The grounds are extensive, boasting multiple features that will charm, intrigue and interest all ages and tastes. Beautiful, orderly and extensive gardens, complete with their own “terracotta army”, a lake (with secret island), a unique sundial (the “Jubilee Obelisk”), outdoor orangery, swing seats, plus lots of other focal points of interest, all easy to locate with the aid of the excellent map provided. And lots of space!

Our visit was late in the year when the autumn foliage added yet another dimension to the beauty of the place. There’s a “themed” discovery to find around practically every corner of the grounds but if it’s been wet it’s advisable to wear sensible footwear as there are no formal pathways in the grounds and busy routes can become muddy.

I have had to be very selective about what to include within Little Gems when it comes to Italy – the entire country is filled with jaw-dropping places of beauty and splendour. Here is a Little Gem somewhat off the beaten track and yet only 6 miles from the famous Campo dei Miracoli at Pisa (one of my favourite Duomos). The area has changed quite a lot since I last visited – a bigger car park suggests that it’s been “discovered”.

I’ve been twice and both these visits were over 10 years ago and I’m sure that things have also changed in the way that it is run nowadays. I suggest that for more up to date information you access this site.

https://www.discovertuscany.com/pisa/certosa-di-calci.html

On my first visit there was no guide, just a lady who accompanied us as we did the rounds – a tour devoid of information except, “And this is the…” My Italian wasn’t very good then: maybe I’d booked a time-limited, accompanied-tour only. Despite that, I was well-impressed and added this place to my list of “must revisit”. (The Italy list is a very long one!)

The floor of every room I visited was marked out in a different pattern of tiles and there were paintings with fantastic perspectives designed to deceive the eye and many examples of trompe l’oeil. On a second visit some years later, I was blessed to have a well-informed guide who took delight in revealing much that this magical place has to offer, pointing out the many fascinating things that had escaped my notice on my first visit.

Go there; see it for yourself; be amazed. It is spread across a huge site, sadly not all of it open to the public. Notwithstanding this, it is a true Little Gem.

And while you’re in the area, don’t overlook the Medici Villas. There are dozens of them. Check your Rough Guide.

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”.

In the centre of Norwich (use the excellent Park & Ride) this is not just your everyday museum of life. It’s a rambling sort of place, spanning many periods in history with plenty to interest most people – young & old alike. Fabulous value. [Right click on the link below & “open link”.]

http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

Why Strangers? Walloons & Huguenots, escaping religious persecution from the Low Countries, sought sanctuary in Protestant England and Scotland and were permitted to set up their Stranger churches. Norwich, a staple port. was one such favoured location.

https://norfolkrecordofficeblog.org/2016/06/24/strangers-a-brief-history-of-norwichs-incomers/

Many migrants brought their canaries with them (each worth a week’s wages at that time because the Church maintained a monopoly on breeding by only allowing the sale of cock birds). Hence the origin of the nickname for Norwich City Football Club.