Somerset Countryside

100th Post

All posts been created due to a love of nature,

 & of the world I get the chance to encounter.

Images such as these cloud formations are very eye catching,

Photographed in North Devon close to dusk. . .

Life on the Edge

Castle to Mill

From the various views from Dunster Castle,

the descent down, took us on a walk to the Mill.

                                           

Butterflies attracted to much of the flora that was in full bloom. . . .

Lilies to Irise's. . . .

Getting closer. . . .

Winding pathways,

 beautiful flowering blooms on full display.

Even a bench for a rest. . . .

Finally reached the Mill,

only a small shop with not much to see,

 the walk well worth it though!

A Somerset Castle

After a steep hill & several flights of steps, 

 led to the open spaced entrance to Dunster Castle,

 connected with the Luttrell Family, taking us way back in history.

~   ~   ~

The grand entrance hall is very captivating,

  with fireplaces & even a baby grand piano,

 situated at the bottom of the impressive oak staircase,

which led to bedrooms, boasting 4 poster & canopy beds.

This castle is now run for by the National Trust Organisation,

whom maintain & restore such properties,

 to allow the general public either to view such magnificant properties,

either on a daily ticket basis or as an anual membership,

 or even with a lifetime membership.

Do other countries have a similar sort of organisation?

At one time,

 photography was completely forbidden,

 but within in the castle,

 we were actually  allowed to take photos providing we didn't  use the flash.  

 Abviously, this is to protect the aging fabrics & textiles.

My daughter thought she'd put her input into the day,

 (basically, she was getting fed up with me taking photos!!!)

Subsequently, she added her sense of humour to the day!

Anyone for a game of Snooker?

The tiles laid in the gigantic stone fireplace were original,

very impressive,

 which in this area of the castle, 

was intented as a dominant area reserved for the males in society.

The library,

 a fantastic room with many rare & antique books,

 with a splendid individual fireplace,

which blended with the detailed ceiling.

A very comfortable space!

In other rooms, other family treasures were on display,

together with personal family photos.

The final room led us into the conservatory,

 were we walked upon original patterned tiling.

The room hosted a huge bay window,

 ideal for viewing the excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

The castle overall gave us a very comforting feel to the place.

We were very please to actually visit the castle on this occasion & not just the gardens.

A lovely day . . . . !

Driftwood

Driftwood naturally washed up onto the seashore. . . .

Enjoyed this exhibition of craftware predominantly made from driftwood,

 although, when thinking about the sea,

shells certainly come to mind,

 so the mirror below was of no surprise to be part of this collection.