I was going through my photos last night and spotted some photos from a visit to Polesden Lacey way back in July. It was on one of those days where MOH was doing some training rides up and down Box Hill and the surrounding area in preparation for the London-Surrey Ride 100 and after dropping him there I'd decided to take myself off and do something more interesting instead...
And that involved a drive to Polesden Lacey through some lovely - but narrow - country lanes, a walk around the gardens avoiding the rain, a look inside the house as it rained outside and a very nice lunch in the cafe before getting the call saying he was done. Actually I wasn't done, I was partway through my lunch and a very nice slice of cake, so MOH set off for another trip up and down the hills while I finished my cake and met him back in the Box Hill car park. I like to think that last lap made all the difference...
Anyway, back to Polesden Lacey. It was my first visit and while I saw a lot I'm sure I barely scratched the surface. Today I'll share some pictures from the Head Gardener's Office and his view over the cutting garden.
Henry Smith was head gardener between 1938 and 1964 and built this office and potting shed to replace the originals which were bombed during the Second World War. He would have used the space to plan his crops and record information in his account books and journals, and it continued to be used for the same purpose until 2002.
Sadly I couldn't actually get into the office, but I leaned in as much as I could for these photos.
Doesn't it look fab? And doesn't it look like a place you could potter around for ages in?
AH... TERRACOTTA POTS
Yes, that is a bike you can see in the doorway there. And a fine looking one at that, with the all important wicker basket. I'm hoping that this weekend I'll be able to get out on my bike - I've missed it.
And what a view. It's the type of orderly and productful plot I hanker after. If my plot over at the allotment ever looks as good as this then I'll be very happy.
And isn't the cottage in the background quaint and traditional with its decorative gables. I needed a closer look. It was even better close up. And you can stay in it too. As much as I wanted to peer through the windows, I resisted.
And I'll leave you with some very summery shots, that are just beautiful. Ah yes summer, seems so long ago now, doesn't it?
