Going back to my most recent trip to the UK I met up with my brother at a National Trust property called Calke Abbey at Ticknall in Derbyshire.
On acquiring the house in the 1980's National Trust decided not to restore it to how it was in its glory days, but to preserve it in the state of dilapidation in which they found it.
Its peeling paintwork and dusty objects set it apart from the glamour of other National Trust properties. They often tend to merge into one after a while - it's hard to remember in which fine stately home a particular piece of fine furniture was seen.
Calke is unforgettable.
I had been before, but not for a long time.
Since then a number of extra rooms have been opened to the public, and some interesting tunnels joining various bits of the house to other parts in the grounds.
I enjoyed the visit very much.
Apart from the tea rooms which were mainly staffed by young people who didn't seem to have much of a clue. I also had to get five teacups from the shelf before I found two clean ones.
Which just goes to show, perfection is hard to achieve and you can't have everything!
Oh yes, I recall visiting not long after the NT had acquired it. Wrongly, I assumed it would have been restored in its usual fashion by now when, as you say, one property can easily blend into another.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of the NT. I had a chat with many of the stewards in the rooms (they do an amazing job and they are all passionate volunteers) and the last one I spoke to is the person who said that Calke's state of dilapidation is what will make it memorable. Having said that, I have so many wonderful memories of NT visits. In an uncertain world it's good to know that someone is looking after these old buildings. They may have a dubious history, but when they're gone, they're gone forever.
DeleteI fell out with the NT several years when they went woke, cancelled membership and changed my will. Pity as they were especially good at supporting the smaller properties and their tea rooms were wonderful. The last time I visited we queued to put a tea bag and hot water into a mug, no home baking just pre packed confectionary - end of civilisation.
ReplyDeleteThe tearooms do seem to vary from one NT location to another and the quality of catering is definitely not what it used to be in some of them. You can't beat home made cake and scones - if they're good!
DeleteOn this occasion tables were uncleared of dirty pots yet there seemed to be numerous young people behind the counter standing around and waiting to be told what to do.
The worst example of "home baking" I have had in a long time was in a local charity shop tearoom. The lemon and blueberry cake definitely looked home made but was vile - dry sponge and slimy icing with only one lonely blueberry in a huge slab. I only ate one bite but at least the cost was for a good cause!
PS I'm not entirely sure what "woke" means. I guess it's a derogatory term suggesting that someone/some organisation has gone too far with procedures to avoid discrimination or offence and to provide equality and inclusion for all kinds of people/customers/visitors/minority groups, presumably at the expense of the comfort/experience of others who are then in turn offended or feel discriminated against.
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