I have a National Trust membership and part of the membership requires me to travel to every possible National Trust Site so I feel like I have my money’s worth. So far I think I am doing pretty well. I am not sure how many places I have been to so far, but if I paid the full entry price at all of these places I would be broke. This weekend’s choice was the historic Standen House in Sussex again. I have been here a few times before but this is the first time mid-winter. Apart from the fact it was 4c and windy, which made it feel like the Arctic, the visit was still nice and unique, like every visit.
Looking through a window from the conservatory in Standen House.
Generally, Standen House is a huge house with loads of old stuff inside, set in gorgeous gardens. The house was built in the late 19th century and a family from Birmingham, who made money in the industrial boom, moved in and made it theirs. This all means that it is an interesting place with a huge variety of plants put into a tiered garden. If you want the full history of the house and gardens, visit this link here. Click Here.
In the office, in a tray, these old photographs and papers remain from a bygone era.
No iPads, Mobile phones or a computer on this desk.
A view from a side room looking out into the courtyard by the main entrance to the house.
The gardens had been cut back and were in the process of being prepared for spring. Still, there were various flowering plants and other interesting sites while wandering.
Just outside the house, bathing in the cold sunlight, these snowdrops enjoying the early spring.
Flowers in the gardens, open and enjoying the post-rainy weekend day.
In the lower gardens by the ponds, hidden behind a bench was this little cutey.
Another flower tucked away just outside the main house.
Summary
Another National Trust site I would recommend if you have an hour or two to spare. You do not need a whole day for this site, two hours should cover it. The only downside is the house can get really busy. On the plus side, the staff are really nice and very helpful to the point where I asked a question about watering my cactus and they took my email, got hold of their resident specialist who emailed me within two hours with a comprehensive response on how to look after my cacti. I was genuinely impressed.
Fairly close by to this site is Nymans and Wakehurst Place. With a membership, this could be a cheap day out and easily visit all three places.
More Info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen-house-and-garden
Standen is a lovely place to visit especially Hf how like William Morris inspired furnishings
I really like your floral photos. The white and purple flowers are hellebores Hellebore https://g.co/kgs/AtHCpG
I like Standen a lot. One of my favorite places to go. I could have written a huge article on the house alone haha
I was thinking while I was there about photographing the nameplate for future reference. From now on I will.
Thank you Joanna:)
I keep hovering over the national trust membership button. I might take the plunge!
haha I would check your area first, see how many National Trusts you have. If not, English Heritage could be good.
We definitely have lots, I’m in Kent. I’m going to do it this afternoon and go out with my free binoculars!
haha good luck:) keep an eye on that parking, some places don’t mention that NT members pay for it.