Forde Abbey

 

Imagine driving through this avenue of trees in order to reach your home! And then you are there…

We did exactly that, on Sunday, even though this is most definitely not our home!  And I’m not sure that I’d want to share it even if it was my home! However, I can honestly say that this was one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. And of course, it was made all the better by the superb, September weather! 

Forde Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery that dates back to the early 12th century. During the 17th century, it was converted into a family home. And throughout the 20th century, the 30 acres of gardens have been transformed. The gardens surround the house and they are stunning; they also include a kitchen garden, an arboretum, a bog garden, a woodland garden, various herbaceous borders and rolling lawns. 

When we arrived, we made our way, as we always do, to the cafe… ‘The Abbots Table’. We sat inside but there are also  tables outside, as in the photo below:

That done, we explored what was on offer.

At certain times of the day, they turn on this wonderful, gravity fed, water fountain!

In what is known as The Mermaid Pond, in 2005, this ‘Centenary Fountain’ was installed, to commemorate the centenary of the Roper Family’s ownership of Forde Abbey.  (However, Forde Abbey is now under the ownership of the Kennard family.)

At 160 feet ( 49 m) in height, it is claimed to be the tallest powered fountain in England. It really was quite a sight!

And here are the owl and the pussy cat…

 

….as well as, below, Leda and the Swan, which was sculpted by Enzo Plazzotta, some years ago.

We also spotted some sculpted, wild boar as we were exploring, along with the Cyclamen and Autumn Crocus.

As mentioned, the perennial borders were beautiful. 

In fact the whole estate was beautiful…and just look at that sky!

The clock tower.

A beautiful place in a beautiful setting on a beautiful day! I’m sure that we will return one day!