Saltram House and another journey up scaffolding!!

Today I headed off in a different direction to visit Saltram House and Gardens. a first visit for me.  The forecast was a bit dodgy but, nonetheless...

Saltram was home to the Parker family from 1743, when an earlier mansion was remodelled to reflect the family's increasingly prominent position.  It's magnificently decorated, with original contents including Chines wallpapers and an exceptional collection of paintings (several by Sir Joshua Reynolds).  It also has a superb country house library ad Robert Adam's Neo-classical Saloon

It was dry when I arrived but sadly lacking in sun!!

Just before you go through the entrance..

and then into the garden..

  making my way towards the house.

The house doesn't open till 12.00 but I managed to get on a group tour to go up the scaffolding to view the ceiling of the Saloon that's being renovated  The tour was just for the ceiling and I had to go back later to see the rest of the house.

To be able to stand just a few feet below the ceiling was amazing!!

Here is it obvious the 'before and after' ..

and below, the carpet is being renovated and will be laid back down again.  But this time with a replic to lay on top of it so visitors can walk through the salon.

Then a leisurely stroll around the gardens...

This guy appeared!! in fact there were 2 of them!!

Saw a group of about 8 Pied Wagtails.. this one had caught a butterfly by the looks of it

The Castle Folly

and down below the cellar!

Boules ...

Autumn Cyclamen

and a proper English tea if a little early!!