Sweet chestnut, Montacute House

Another day out with my parents, this time at Montacute House. This tree has a fascinating spiral pattern to the bark.

The house is a truly remarkable survivor from the Elizabethan era, completed in 1601. Although it was later modified, the changes used parts from a nearby mansion, so the whole building looks to have a single style. I liked it more than any building I have visited in recent years. There is a super collection of paintings from the National Portrait Gallery on the top floor, too (see extra).