• Mood: Just off to another meeting

Finally this is Dyrham Park

You may remember, dear readers, how, some weeks ago I set off to visit Dyrham Park near Bath, only to find myself in the wrong county at the wrong country house. Well, a couple of week-ends ago I had another try, and guess what - I actually got there. All on my own, without any superficial or technical aids, without map or much common sense I drove straight to Dyrham Park. I didn't go wrong, I didn't get lost, I didn't even take very long to get there. And, more importantly, I really liked it. An interesting looking house with gardens all set in a huge swathe of brilliant park land; great views out over the surrounding countryside and lots of hills on a sunny afternoon. As you will gather, I had never been there before, in fact I have to confess that I hadn't even heard of it until a couple of months ago. Now I have another place to add to my list of favourites, a place I would happily take friends and visitors to - so if you want to visit Dyrham Park, first come and visit blur-kiwi!

People on the long drive leading down into the valley that the house and gardens nestle in.

First view of the house itself.

I wish I could think of a song title to illustrate this particular photo - oh wait - yep, yep I've got one - oh no it's gone. Actually, there is a very obvious one but I'm trying not to use it.

The orangery.

I seem to take a lot of photos like this one these days.

Reflection of the roof of the orangery on the walls.

Pussy cat, on a ledge, halfway up a wall.

I loved this daisy-lined little avenue as it made its way towards the perfectly positioned seat at the end.

The cascade in the gardens.

The church next door with shrubby borders in between.

The other side of the house with its formal gardens.

A perfect spot to read The Observer - an over-sized bench.

I'm not sure why, but I really like this photo. I think it's probably just how simple and uncluttered it is. And the girl and boy on the bench really make it.

Roses on their way into the house.

The house from one of the hills in the park.

Some barns nearby in the estate, with an old tractor keeping it very rural.

Final look at the house