Anyway...onward and upward as they say. We happened to be in Dorchester on our recent trip to Dorset. Being as we visit National Trust properties all over, we found there was one in Dorchester called Max Gate. So along we went.
Here are some Links for you:
Street view (you can zoom in and out to see more of the area) :
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| Almost hidden in the woodland, the house appears gradually to the visitor |
Thomas Hardy kept adding extra rooms and additions to the property.
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| I liked how they had left the roller leaning again the outbuilding, as though the gardener had only just left it there. |
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| If you are very eagle eyed, you will spot the Room Guide looking out (bottom left) |
This bee was enjoying his visit too
The gardens and vegetable areas are still laid out as they were in Hardy's day
I waited in the garden, in the shade sketching, whilst Graham looked around.
One thing I do have to say. We were going to wait outside with William, we didn't think dogs would be appreciated in the gardens, but on mentioning we had a dog, they insisted we take him for a walk around the garden. Hence, I was waiting with William whilst Graham took his browse around the house. Then two, separately, House Guides came out just to say hello to William!
(next time we are in the area we will visit
Hardy's Cottage, the house where he was born)
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| screenshot from National Trust - Hardy's Cottage I managed a couple of sketches, but have to apologise here and now to the people of Max Gate - My proportions are Out on these sketches, what a challenge drawing this house and all it's additions....  Both sketches drawn on cream coloured paper, although that hasn't shown in the photos  |
We really enjoy our visit
and the staff and guides were welcoming,
friendly and informative.
Many thanks to everyone who help run
Max Gate
14 comments:
Oh what a lovely place, not that I know anything about Thomas Hardy either. Lovely when they allow dogs in the gardens too :)
It is a beautiful home and your sketches are lovely.
I can see why it would be hard to get the angles and proportions right! You did a stellar job in spite of Mr. Hardy's unconventional building additions! :D
I love how the house is hidden in the woodland! And all the additions are lovely! Nice people too!
We were for one thing surprised that the house was so interesting and two that they allowed dogs. I can see us visiting this place again one day.
Thanks so much Christine :)
Thanks Robin....there was a point when I nearly gave up and just enjoyed sitting in the garden instead, lol.
It was like a secret house in the woodland :)
Ann - What a beautiful spot to visit. The house looks like a delight to tour. Your pictures are fabulous as well as your lovely sketches. Hope you have a great week. Hugs!
Really pleased you enjoyed this post Debbie. We hope to go back to this house again sometime :)
I visited Thomas Hardy's house many many MANY years ago! I studied some of his novels at school, and have since read more, and his poetry too. Lovely stories and references to a West Country lifestyle long gone. Perhaps I should read some of his novels for a second time... Far From the Madding Crowd, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Tess of the d'Urbervilles etc. They are hard to read, very old fashioned prose, but wonderful stories.
I went into the house absolutely clueless, at least I came out informed. .... I’ll give the novels a miss, but glad we visited and will go back again 🙂
I know who he was/is... and really enjoyed all your photos! Wow what a great place to visit and especially enjoyed some of the interior pics. Nice sketches also!
Yes quite a famous person, so it was nice to see his home and hear about his life.
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