Friday 10 June 2011

On my doorstep

I'm slightly ashamed. And equally joyous. Last weekend, we visited a historic home (English Heritage type of property) literally on our doorstep. It couldn't have taken more than 10min to drive there. We knew it was there, but had never made the effort to pay it a visit. The glorious sunshine was had last Saturday (and an event which meant we got 10% off tickets) were a perfect opportunity for a visit, which we embraced in the greatest way possible.


An elaborate picnic was prepared by yours truly (preparation actually started on Friday night - quiche always tastes better a day old), and enjoyed in the sun on our Betwys-y-Coed blanket - oh holiday souvenirs!


Nibbles of filo pastry filled with either blue cheese and pickle or sweet red onion and feta, tomato and red pepper quiche, mixed summer salad...


After this filling lunch, we ambled our way through the gardens, the maze, the rose patch, the vegetable patch...


Before heading towards the house. Unfortunately cameras aren't allowed inside, but to be honest, the best of it was outdoors. I feel so privileged to live near such a great beauty. And even though the entry price is such that you wouldn't go every weekend, I'll definitely try and take my mum there if we have time when she's around and the sun is out. If you're ever down this part of the country, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Yummy looking picnic :0)
Looks a beautiful place - Did I miss the name of the property?
Happy Friday - nearly the weekend. Yippee!
xx

Arianne said...

Yummy. I am of the persuasion that anything cheesy tastes best the week after the expiry date. :)) I am glad that you finally got to see the historic house next door. I think the situation is for everyone who gets so used to their 'local' that they haven't seen the 'tourist' sights. That's the case for me, and my friend who's been in London for a year but only went to the Tate last week. :))

Arianne from A + B in the Sea

Me said...

What a nice post! The flower mosaic is lovely. Its funny the places that you can overlook nearby- I did the same recently (just writing that post actually!) Glad it was as nice as you'd hoped. What a superb picnic! xxx

Petit Filoux said...

Jill, no you didn't really, I only put a link to it. It's Knebworth House in Hertfordshire.

Ali said...

I'd pay the entrance fee for your picnic alone - looks scrumptious!

Lucy in the Clouds said...

I love a look around big old houses! That picnic looks absolutely fabulous, would love some how-tos for the filo nibbles! xx

Suzanne said...

Your picnic looks amazing! Sounds like a lovely day out!

The Curious Cat said...

Man - I'm seriously digging your picnic. I'm alone in the house with some overcooked chicken. I started eating it and thought it was undercooked and then I put it back in the oven and overcooked it...yum! xxx

do you mind if i knit said...

Your picnic looks amazing! It looks like you are a superb cook, all that food makes my mouth water, I'm not normally one to gaze at photos of people's food on their blogs, but your food looks absolutely delicious! Love Vanessa xxx