On Guard

Today we took a trip to Wynyard Hall, where a Christmas Fayre was taking place.The lighting outside and in was poor and the crowds were jostling us along, so no time to 'stop and stare!'
It is the most remarkable country house. The house used to be the family seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family, Marquesses of Londonderry but it was sold in the 1980s.The Marquess was a colonel and major player in the British Army, fighting in all the Peninsular War battles under Wellington.The family wing of the mansion was nicknamed the' Dukes Wing' after the Duke of Wellington visited.
Designed by Philip Wyatt and built 1822-28, the entrance frontage has a most impressive 6-column giant Corinthian Portico.This large specimen of a dog is one of two guarding the main entrance to the house.I have tried to age the photograph to tie in with the historical background.
The Entrance Hall has a coffered segmental tunnel vault and in the middle, suspended from the ceiling there is an extremely large chandelier. The main octagonal centre hall extends the full height of the house and has a dome with caryatids around it. ( sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the place of a column ) There is also a beautiful skylight in a stained glass design. incorporating rich blues which complement the sky above. I don't think I have ever seen a more stunning and impressive entrance to any building.
The Chapel is also a magnificent addition to the house.If you ever visit, a new spa has been added, so it is tempting to have a pamper session before retiring for afternoon tea which is a must.Served in the drawing room, it offers a touch of utter decadence.I must stop at this point for fear of sounding too much like a sales rep.
The estate was sold in 1987 to Sir John Hall,whose company masterminded the construction of the MetroCentre shopping mall in Gateshead. He spent £4 million to restore the house, hiring Rupert Lord to oversee the restoration; he later moved his company headquarters, as well as his home, into the mansion. The estate, comprising the house and 780 acres of parkland, was listed for sale in July 2002 for £8 million.
Today wasn't a typical day at the house but there was a touch of the Christmas spirit pervading the air, with choirs singing carols , Christmas flowers,lots of Christmas goodies on sale and many Christmas trees dressed in twinkling white lights decorating the hall and grounds of the house.'Deck the Halls' indeed.