My happy place as someone reminded me his week. This is what Charlecote is to me and it's somewhere I've missed so very much recently. It's not only the place I've missed, it's the staff and volunteers too as they are also what makes this place so special. I've been volunteering at Charlecote since 2013 but the last couple of years due to illness, I have been unable to do what I did before and what I enjoy doing. I'm hoping sometime in the future that will change. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed.
Last week I had a little rough time of things and ended up in hospital for over a week, when I came out, I managed to pop over to Charlecote. As I entered the house, I was told to sit still while the house team ran around putting all the Christmas lights and decorations on for me to get a sneak preview. I was quite overwhelmed and very honoured. A BIG thanks goes to all of the team for doing this for me.
This meant so much as I totally missed last year's Christmas decorations being completed and it was the first time in all these years that I had missed them. I love being part of Charlecote because it is like a family, yes 'family' is the right word, it's like an extended family who you know will be there for you if you need them. Through my illness I have recieved constant updates, offers of help, photos and videos to keep me involved and amused. A BIG thanks for those, too. 💖 They have kept me smiling. Charlecote is so much more than just a place to so, so many.
I didn't have my camera on me so this is also a first of taking Christmas photos with my mobile phone so please forgive the quality. They do not do the house justice but then you will have to go and see the beauty for yourself.
This year, Mary Elizabeth and George invite you to their Masquerade ball at Charlecote this Christmas.
As you enter the Great Hall dressed with it's two magnifficient trees adorned with lights and beautiful ornaments, you immediately feel as if you have been transported to a magical ball.
The magic of the room lights up your eyes as you take in all that shines back at you.
Bubbles overflow the fountain
And explode around the trees making them sparkle even more.
No party would be a party without the drinks to make all the cocktails for the evening.
Even a butler greets you as you walk in.
The trees really are stunning.
Enter into what is normally the dining-room which has been cleared for dancing with steps to follow, if you don't know how to dance the waltz. Music is playing and the masquerade ball is in full swing. Beautiful dresses and a suit made from paper adorn the mannequins around the room, masks are a must.
Along and beside the dresser are the most beautiful large flowers, something almost from a dream world. Giant flowers definitely do add a dreamy atmosphere to the whole experience.
The beautiful dresses made from paper.
The quartet made from recycled cardboard from old notice boards and tubes that use to hold rolls of tissue for packing delicate items away.
A pure touch of class.
Aren't these flowers stunning?
As we glide through to the library it takes on a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. Somewhere for the family to enjoy their own private Christmas.
A game of chess is on full flow at the table close to the fire with nibbles on the side, just in case they fancy a treat, it is Christmas after all.
You can see where the children have been playing with their miniature tea-sets and toys. Even the train-sets are exploring the room.
A BIG thanks to Abby for taking these low down photos for me, I would never have got back up. :)
Returning to the hall we move into the last two downstairs rooms, Someone has been playing cards and enjoying Christmas in here. My daughter saw the photos of the card display and absolutely loved it!
On to the drawing room and the music is jumping from the sheets...... or is it the sheets of music jumping up waiting to be played?
Even the tree is dancing.
The room beautifully dressed.
Following the curved staircase lit with candles up to the main bedroom where sits the most amazing golden peacock dress made again, from paper.
The dressing table in The Ebony room has been set with masks and all else needed for the ball.
The peacock dress made from paper.
There has been so much work and detail put into the making all of these beautiful dresses.
In front of the window, the table is left as it was when Mary Elizabeth wrote her Christmas cards while she sipped a little tea, waiting for time to pass by until the evening party.
The quiet room to stop and take in all you have seen. This is the first time I have seen this room finished and it is a beautiful place to rest for a little and read or write some of the memories of Charlecote.
Around to the Victorian kitchen which has been very busy making all the treats for the guests, bread in baking in the oven, biscuits being baked and decorated, Christmas has come to Charlecote this year.
This beautiful display is open to visitors from Monday 17th of November to Sunday the 4th of January. Do go and look, it is well worth the trip. Absolutely beautiful. I loved every bit of it.
A BIG thanks to everyone who has made me still feel apart of the Charlecote family team during my illness. To the house team, Jess, Ben and Abby who made my day so special. You and the Charlecote team have really done an amazing job on the house, you have created something really special. Absolutely beautiful and it really was an honour to get the sneak preview. Thank you again.
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