Sixteen generations of the Cavendish family have resided in the Chatsworth House for five centuries, where the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire currently reside.
Insisting on arriving as if by carriage...
for the infamous view...
we made a beeline past the cafe and gift shop...
through the tree tunnel...
to sneak a peek to the right before arriving at the perfect spot.
Stately and historic in its own right, being the stunt double for Pemberley House in the newer version of "Pride and Prejudice" is where my adoration began and
this very view is where Elizabeth Bennet realized her monumental mistake.
After absorbing 'the view' we were pleased to find our timely visit coincided...
with the installation of a sculpture exhibition,
Sotheby's Beyond Limits...
officially opening this weekend and continuing through October 27th.
After roaming the grounds surrounding the magnificent fountain,
everything else was just icing on the cake.
Every direction causes the eyes to linger.
Chatsworth cares for one of the largest private art collections in Britain,
although I had a hard time tearing my attention away from the Painted Hall.
Oh how I longed to find a cozy spot...
in the massive library...
however, they have a very creative way of keeping visitors from making themselves at home.
No unsightly signs with boring rules here.
Simple bouquets of the teasel plant adorning each tempting piece of furniture seems to do the trick.
Love. it.
After designating the library as my favorite room of the house...
as I lightly slid my fingers along the tops of twenty chairs surrounding the dining table,
the chandelier 'bewitched me body and soul'.
Those place settings impressed the need of another road trip with the girls.
Not to be outdone with the outdoor sculptures...
the sculpture gallery inside will keep your attention.
Although my favorite sculpture is upstairs...
in a room dedicated to all things 'Pride and Prejudice',
where the exquisite Veiled Vestal Virgin, by Raffaelle Monti,
overshadows the bust of Mr. Darcy created specifically for the film.
Maybe the fact that a family actually lives in Chatsworth House
helps keep a fresh feel to the place.
Even though helpful security staff are placed throughout, it never felt like a museum,
but as if I were walking through the home of someone with amazing taste in art
who likes to have large parties.
After absorbing as much of this beautiful home as time would allow,
our path back to the inn offered views of the estate from an entirely different perspective.
Happy Thursday.
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