On the way up to Sheringham the road took me right by the entrance to Felbrigg house - perfect for a visit.
Car parking at NT properties is now £5 and entrance prices vary from about £12 upwards and I worked out that as long as I also visit Sutton Hoo, Dunwich Heath, Melford Hall and Ickworth House in Suffolk (and maybe back to Blickling Hall in Norfolk ) I would get my money back on a years membership.
Something I didn't know was that if you join at a NT property they get ¾ of the joining money (whereas joining on line all the money goes to NT HQ).
At the moment money is needed at Felbrigg for this.........
If you want to read all about the history of Felbrigg it's HERE
It's BIG!
Below is the main frontage and the photo below that shows all the service buildings and as you can see from the illustration above there are even more buildings on the right of these
They handout a very useful little booklet to use as a guide as you walk through the house
I didn't take photos inside because the whole place is kept shaded and very gloomy to protect the furnishings - plus they say don't use flash in case of visitors with epilepsy and everywhere was very busy.
But there is one room - actually a corridor built to improve the route between kitchen and dining room - that is lighter - it's full of stuffed birds in glass cases all shot by a bird-loving ornithologist owner! The grandfather of the last Squire.
The kitchens are always interesting to visit
They keep a few chickens too
The dovecot is huge.
and another photo from the booklet with details of the last owner of this huge estate.
I thought this was my first visit to Felbrigg but it turns out that I'd visited with Colin many years ago.
I only remembered when I went in the second-hand bookshop and it seemed very familiar!
Back Monday
Sue
NT have "trampers" an all terrain mobility scooter for those with mobility problems and are easy to drive. The trampers need to be booked in advance and there is no charge. Maureen x
ReplyDeleteI'm not quite needing one yet!
DeleteThe property is Felbrigg Hall.
ReplyDeleteOf course you are right
DeleteWe rarely go into the big old houses, we both prefer the gardens, and can spend all day walking and taking photo's. Inside only the kitchens intrigue me.
ReplyDeleteThere are all sorts of interesting rooms in this house but the kitchens are always my favourite too
DeleteLooks an interesting property to visit. My favourite parts of any NT properties are the kitchen gardens and the kitchens themselves. These are were my families from back in time would have been working. Glad you enjoyed your few days away.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good few days
DeleteWhat a stunning house and I am so glad they got 3/4 of your membership fee. I followed the link and it looks amazing. For me - I could move straight into that kitchen!!
ReplyDeleteSigns everywhere saying do not touch - everything in the kitchen is fragile!
DeleteAs an American, I send my dues in faithfully to NT every year..even the years I couldn’t come over to see my family due to Covid….it’s an important cause to support.
ReplyDeleteHave you read the wonderful books about behind the scenes at Fulbright, written by the wife of a man who formerly was in charge of that property?
Mary Mackie - Cobwebs and Cream Teas and Dry Rot and Daffodils are the books and yes I have read both..
DeletePS the only reason I have to publish as Anonymous is because Google won’t let me sign in!
ReplyDeleteI love that wall of copper in the kitchen! There's a lot I like there. I don't think someone who shoots birds can be described as a bird lover, exactly, though. I'd like that kitchen garden but not the work it entails! Thanks for the tour.
ReplyDeleteSeems they had a different idea of Ornithology back then!
DeleteAs I read your post I wondered if someone still resided there but you answered that with the photo of the book. It's a lovely place.
ReplyDeleteThey used to employ a custodian living in part of the property but not sure about nowadays
DeleteWhat a beautiful historic home and grounds. Your membership is a good buy and 3/4 of joining fees going directly to maintaining this property is excellent.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly need it for mending the roof there
DeleteI love Felbrigg, and enjoyed seeing the kitchen!
ReplyDeleteAlways the best place to visit in a Stately Home
DeleteWhat a beautiful trip to visit Magnificent home, congratulations
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteImagine the large staff that kept that kitchen running! So many pots and pans to scrub!!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I meant to tell you, I love your header photo! Are those lovely lilacs?!
It's my huge Ceaonothus which I think is called California Lilac across the pond
DeleteOn my recent walk through Norfolk, Felbrigg Hall was on the route. A very welcome stopping place for lunch. I am a member of the NT and feel I get my money's worth . Wherever I am in the country I like to check out the local NT properties.
ReplyDeleteIt was ever so busy there, with queues for the cafe - think they need one a bit bigger!
DeleteI used to work in NT recruitment. We always had to push for Direct Debit payment and Gift Aid, as it brought more money directly into the property instead of HO. One of my key selling points was to remind people that, when travelling, some distance they could plan their journey around NT properties for a relaxing break, rather than a busy motorway service station! In my area, most car parks, NT or otherwise are £5.00.
ReplyDeleteWe are a bit lacking in NT properties in Suffolk which is why I'm not a member all the time. But when we holidayed along Hadrians wall and around Devon/Cornwall we always joined and visited everywhere there was.
DeleteI'm sure I visited Felbrigg Hall with Mum and Dad a while ago now. A lovely place and that kitchen . . . wow!
ReplyDeletexx
Fabulous snapshots. I was captivated by all that copper in the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteWe have been National Trust members for years now and always try and visit at least enough properties to get our membership money covered, a bit easier now that we are classed as older members. I always gravitate towards the kitchens and kitchen gardens and Alan towards anything mechanical that he can find.
ReplyDelete