I have always known about the charms of Chatsworth House, as it is quite well known in England.

However, I only recently realised how close it is to Manchester, while having a ‘tea discussion’ with my wonderful colleagues.

I was soon to discover that it is an extraordinary place, full of beauty inside and out. Lavish, and maybe over the top at times, but so much to see and enjoy.

Getting there was not too difficult. For the first time, I was driving for over 100 miles all alone, with no GPS or roadmaps. I decided to take the scenic route and go by instinct.

It turned out to be a good decision, as my journey took me through some stunning landscapes – from the beautiful Peak District and its quaint, little villages and through Derbyshire.

The experience was a cross between driving through live paintings and through film sets depicting old-fashioned villages. It felt a bit like being transported back in time and I was constantly in awe of the beauty of the Pennines as I drove around these majestic hills. The British countryside is just so picturesque, you can never get enough of it. I will always recommend taking the scenic routes.

Chatsworth House does not require advance booking, but I would always check the website, as pre-ticketed events are held there and it would be very disappointing to arrive and not be allowed in.

I only managed to get there after allowing the nonchalant sheep to cross the little roads in front of my car. As soon as they walked past, I got out and started snapping photos of them and of the impressive-looking house in the distance beyond the lake.

Then, it was on to the house, boasting golden gates and a decided aura of magnificence. The place is still run by the family who owns it and is not English Heritage or National Trust property, which is unusual nowadays.

Once I got into the house, it was painting after painting, fabulous four-poster bedrooms, beautifully decorated in sumptuous fabric, chinoisserie and a sculpture gallery... There is a lot to see and it can get a bit confusing as there are so many styles within the same building. But it truly is an impressive building impeccably kept.

I probably enjoyed the grounds most: the gardens, the landscaped gardens, the fountains, the park, the animals roaming about, the train ride, the maze…

I will certainly return in winter or spring. The Laurent-Perrier Chatsworth Garden, designed by Dan Pearson and built by Crocus, was awarded the Gold Medal for the Best Show Garden in the Royal Holticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, which is the most prestigious garden competition in the UK. It should be taking shape later in the year at Chatsworth itself in their new scheme to rejuvenate the Trout Stream.

Lovely and enchanting villages, including the cutest tea houses, form part of the massive estate, and the farm shop is definitely not to be missed. You can even stay there or get married there! I kept picturing myself in a big crinoline, large hat and summer umbrella, walking slowly through the grounds admiring the flowers.

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