I usually prefer castles to stately homes, but Chatsworth, both the house and the grounds, are truly enchanting. The web abounds with pictures of the house, so I thought I'd put up some pictures of the beautiful gardens.
As well as paying to do the whole place, you can buy a cheap day ticket, just to go and picnic in the grounds.
Chatsworth House is home to the Duke of Devonshire and his family, and has been passed down for 16 generations. A former Duchess of Devonshire was Deborah Mitford before her marriage. She was an English aristocrat, writer, memoirist, and socialite. She was the youngest and last-surviving of the six Mitford sisters, who were prominent members of British society in the 1930s and 1940s.
When her husband died, and her son inherited the title, Deborah, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, moved into a smaller residence in Edensor village, where she delighted in keeping chickens. Apparently, it was nothing after a grand ball at the 'big house', to see her in ballgown and Wellington boots walking home across the park at dawn, and going to feed her fowl! You think I jest? (copyright Bruce Weber)
Can't be many stately homes of such grandeur, that have a busy road (B6012 from Baslow to Beeley) running through the grounds within metres of the house
The gardens - including the 260ft. spout of water known as the Emperor Fountain (above) - were designed by the great Victorian engineer Joseph Paxton. He was employed as head gardener at Chatsworth as a young man, and went on to become architect of the Crystal Palace.
The friendliest thing is, you are welcome to paddle in the cascade, as it tumbles down the hillside towards the house.
As to the picture of the tree, look closer. This is the 'Weeping Tree'. It is hollowed out, and water is pumped through it, to replace the truncated branches. It's a magical effect.
You wander about the grounds, and come across sculptures in all sorts of odd places. It's a real voyage of discovery.
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