Whatever the season, Lanhydrock House never disappoints me, and I was eager to see the newly refurbished nursery, which I hadn’t seen before.

Late spring is endearing, the landscape a blast of colour. Bluebells share their sweet, refreshing scent as they sweep through woodland glades beside the path to the gatehouse. Camellias, magnolias and an assortment of tulips illuminate other parts of the garden.

The sky looked gloomy, so Mr Word Loft and I opted to go into the house first.

All areas have a story to tell and are filled with interesting artefacts, giving an insight into the Agar-Robartes family and their late Victorian Cornish home.

The dining room is grand, the table vast, set with opulent crockery and glassware, and I delight in seeing how the central floral arrangements change according to the time of year.

With its intricate plasterwork ceiling, the long gallery provided a unique space for leisure and exercise. It must have given a great sense of being outdoors, as window views over the parklands are superb.

We wandered around the second-floor bedchambers and bathrooms and then headed to the back of the house. This section was new to us and the highlight of the day.

A sign welcomes visitors to the nursery set between 1895 and 1900, where the Agar-Robartes children slept, played and were taught.

I never imagined a playroom could be so elaborate. A child-sized castle theatre with countryside scenery spans a corner. Facing it is a clothes rail of jolly costumes including a king, queen, knight and jester’s attire. Perfect for acting out plays, and for the children to learn about history, especially the life of England’s first Queen, Matilda. A poster announcing a performance about her life is affixed to a wall.

Sleeping quarters are cosy and enchanting. As well as having beds, one is furnished with a wooden cradle, and another has an ornate cot with drapes. I wonder what today’s children think about chamber pots under the beds. No doubt, young folk from any era would be thrilled to use the beautiful white dolls’ house, or the metal soldiers, now stored behind glass.

Further along the corridor is the equivalent of a modern-day dance studio. A mannequin wearing a debutante’s white evening gown, veil, and feather headdress watches over the dancefloor, used for practising ballroom sequences.

A happy room, compared to Tommy’s, who sadly died at thirty-five years old after rescuing an army comrade injured on the battlefield, in September 1915. It must have been a sombre occasion when his dressing case was returned from the trenches, adding to other nostalgic memorabilia.

After moments of reflection and the lure of blue skies. A walk in the fresh air around the spectacular grounds was stimulating. Secluded pathways, meandering stream, quaint church, precise flowerbeds and topiary trees. We have seen them all before and value them even more with every visit to the National Trust property.

Until next time,
Sue. X

PS. Here is another link about Lanhydrock, Blooming Marvellous!