17 June 2010 was one of those glorious sunny English days we can experience in Old Blighty for our trip to Standen House owned by the National Trust.
Stuart our coach driver manoeuvred his way successfully through the narrow lanes near Standen and gave cause for us to give him a round of applause when he encountered a white van driver in a very narrow lane and we slithered by.
On arrival at Standen House we were greeted by one of the National Trust reps who boarded our coach and explained we would be given a piece of paper with individual times to enter the house and explained the layout of the grounds.
Standen House itself gave off the vibes of being a well loved family home displaying its wealth of William Morris carpets, fabrics and wallpapers. On display too was a well loved rocking horse, although he had been put out to pasture as he was for looking at only and not riding!
The gardens were amazing, divided into interesting sections from immaculately lawned grassed areas, to wooded dales and tree lined walks up and down slight gradients and vegetable gardens.
It must have been a haven for the Beale family children who lived there and a haven for Carer Support Elmbridge Carers for the day! Liz found the maze too although she cheated by exiting by climbing over the rock walls!
Some of us brought picnics and others ate in the restaurant which produced the largest plates of baked potatoes with salad seen for a while.
The day flew by all so quickly and below are some of your comments on the day:
“The atmosphere of the House being a close family one was lovely in all respects, although not enough time to see the gardens properly” – Therese Ayres
“Both the House and gardens were wonderful, enjoyed it all” - Anon.
“The whole visit was exceptional” – Denise Anderson
“Enjoyed looking at the tapestries, pictures, William Morris materials, cushions and curtains and the wonderful gardens” – Zvart Shamlian
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to enjoy such a lovely day out visiting Standen House and Gardens without the hassle of having to arrange it” – Anon.
