...no, it's not all trees. There's the obligatory big house (complete with boxing squirrels), a very still lake (that powers the water mill down the hill), a symmetrical garden (with trees), an old but working mill (powered by the lake up the hill), the absolutely interesting and beautiful Strangford Lough, a random temple and a castle thrown in for good measure.
And all this was basically our back yard. The campsite is just a little way through the woods and you can stay in the grounds as late as you like so after about six or seven at night it's empty and all your's. This last thought was fuelled further by a largely unfounded but well liked theory that when you join the National Trust and become a "member" you basically become a part owner of all their properties. Bollocks of course, as my wife pointed out, but still, I'm going to stubbornly hold on to that idea and when we go back and take the house tour, will hop over the barrier and park myself on a crusty old chaise lounge to eat my lunch, no matter what the guide says.
Of course, our Castle Ward experience was enhanced greatly by a few days of superb weather but it really was a magical retreat and I can't wait to go back (and make myself at home...must remember to pack my slippers).
What a beautiful place. Interesting to see some cabbage trees (the two palms in the top right image) in the gardens. Theyre endemic to New Zealand, so strange to see them on the other side of the world!
Posted by: Michael Barron | 06 September 2009 at 10:10 PM